Cultural Access Program
Investing in Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Science for All
On December 2, 2024, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved Ordinance M-4481, officially establishing the Vancouver Cultural Access Program and adopting a 0.1% sales tax to fund it. This dedicated revenue stream is expected to generate up to $7 million annually for seven years, with the possibility for renewal in 2031. Tax collection began on April 1, 2025.
This is a major step forward in expanding equitable access to arts, culture, heritage, and science across our community.
The Vancouver Cultural Access Program is rooted in the community goals outlined in the Culture, Arts & Heritage Plan, adopted in 2018. It was created in response to strong community support for stable, public investment in local non-profit cultural organizations.
Why Cultural Access Matters
The Cultural Access Program is more than just funding; it’s a long-term investment in Vancouver’s future.
The program aims to:
- Broaden public access to cultural programming
- Support local nonprofit organizations with stable funding
- Foster innovation and creativity
- Strengthen our economy and cultural sector
- Promote equity and inclusion
- Support youth education and school partnerships
According to a 2025 ArtsFund study, communities that invest in culture experience stronger social ties, increased volunteerism and voter participation, lower income inequality, and more vibrant gathering spaces.
Program Policy
City Council adopted the final Cultural Access Program policy on Sept. 15, 2025. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the draft policy to help shape the final proposal.
The policy outlines eligibility, criteria, funding procedures, allocations, outcomes and public benefits of the Vancouver Cultural Access Program, funded by the Cultural Access Sales Tax. It also establishes a grant program, dedicated to enhancing access to arts, culture, heritage and science throughout Vancouver.
Grant Categories
The policy outlines five grant categories that will provide program, operating and capital support:
- Innovation Grants: $5,000–$25,000
- Impact Grants: $10,000–$75,000
- Comprehensive Grants: $100,000–$300,000
- Capital Grants: $300,000+
- School Grants to expand field trips and cultural programming for local students
Altogether, 60 percent of the yearly program revenue, about $4.2 million, will go toward required minimums in each grant category. The other 40 percent, or $2.8 million can be allocated where it will have the strongest public impact within the grant pool.
Next Steps
End of 2025:
- Program name and branding
- Application design
- Establish available funding pool
Early 2026:
- Hire program staff
- Community outreach and education about the program and grant opportunities
- Recruit and train grant review committee(s)
Mid 2026
- Year one grants open
- Application workshops and trainings
Subscribe to the Cultural Access Program email list to receive updates on program development, events, workshops, grant opportunities and ways to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cultural Access funding?
Washington State created the Cultural Access program in 2015, allowing cities and counties to adopt a 0.1% sales tax (or equivalent property tax) to support nonprofit cultural access. Programs may be adopted by public vote or council action and are authorized for seven years.
The State Legislature outlined key goals for Cultural Access programs:
- Broaden access to cultural experiences
- Provide educational opportunities for K–12 students
- Support long-term sustainability for nonprofits
- Stimulate local economies
- Advance cultural equity and post-pandemic recovery
Who oversees the Cultural Access Program?
Development and implementation of the program is led by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission, with guidance from a specially appointed task force of commissioners, community members, non-profit leaders, school representatives and City staff. This group is responsible for:
- Establishing goals and evaluation criteria
- Defining program categories and funding priorities
- Designing the application, review, and award process
Who can receive Cultural Access funding?
To receive funding, organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide public programming in the arts, heritage, or sciences, or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. Government agencies and commercial ventures are not eligible.
The City is designing an application-based grant program to support these organizations, with grants launching in 2026, pending Council approval.
Funding will support public-facing programs and services that:
- Expand access and participation
- Strengthen the cultural sector
- Drive economic and community vitality
- Foster innovation and creative expression
Do other communities have Cultural Access Programs?
Vancouver’s program builds on lessons from similar initiatives in Tacoma, Olympia, King County, and San Juan County. While each program is locally tailored, common principles guide their success:
- Expanding access to diverse cultural offerings
- Prioritizing K–12 education and student engagement
- Supporting underserved communities
- Ensuring transparent oversight and governance
- Providing sustainable operational funding
Vancouver’s approach reflects the city’s unique character, needs, and opportunities for cultural access in an urban context.
What was the timeline for developing the policy?
Development of the program is following an ambitious and transparent timeline.
- February-June 2025: Program policy developed by the Task Force and Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission
- July-August 2025: Council and community feedback on the draft policy
- September 2025: Program policy adoption
- Late 2025-Early 2026: Development of the grant program, outreach and community education