The Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area (BIA) has selected applicants to receive matching funds in 2026 to implement projects and programs that make a positive impact in Pioneer Square. Selected project goals include creating memories of Pioneer Square and enhancing the interactive experiences in the neighborhood.
2026 Inspiration Fund award recipients:
Free Postcards! Pop-Up – Paper artist Trinity Hartman combined contemporary images of Pioneer Square with historical printing processes to create evocative and playful postcard-sized works of art. The postcards are being given away in Pioneer Park on dry days in July and August, timed for lunch hour and before events such as concerts, World Cup matches, and Mariners baseball games. The popup table has writing supplies so that anyone can send a Pioneer Square postcard to friends, family, or to themselves, including stamps and delivery to the post office.
Nebula: First Contact – Nebula Seattle is currently transforming the historic Buttnick Building (200 First Ave. S.) into an explorable story world. It is part installation, part performance environment, and part creative laboratory. Audiences wander through the narrative rather than watch it. As part of Seattle’s FIFA World Cup moment, Nebula presented a temporary lobby installation within the Buttnick Building as an early public entry point into this world.
The annual Inspiration Fund matching program is intended for community members of all kinds to implement projects and programs with a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Program goals include celebrating neighborhood diversity, benefiting the community, and creating a positive impact in Pioneer Square. Example projects include murals, public art, experiences, or public events. The BIA encourages applicants to propose their best and most creative ideas!
Awarded funds must be matched by volunteer hours or other funds on a 50% basis. Funding must be spent in the calendar year in which funds were awarded. BIA Ratepayers, residents, neighborhood employees, and those with a significant connection to Pioneer Square are invited to apply. The selection process is competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Final decisions will be made by the Pioneer Square BIA Stakeholder Board.
Factors to be considered in each application may include:
2025 Inspiration Fund award recipients
Seattle Outdoor Fashion Week (SOFW) brought 400 people to Pioneer Square’s first outdoor fashion week, a celebration of Seattle’s outdoor heritage and contemporary outdoor fashion culture.
“We cannot thank the Pioneer Square BIA enough. The grant was truly instrumental in bringing the event to life, and we’re committed to making it an annual tradition that continues to bring visitors to Pioneer Square.”
– Juriana Spierenburg, Populus
The Refract Block Party was an interactive and celebratory event that featured a live glassblowing demonstration as well as a free, stained glass sun catcher workshop.
“The Alliance for Pioneer Square and the Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area have played a critical role in transforming our Seattle Office and Studio into a public gathering space for our neighbors and our broader community in the glass arts.”
– Kate Speck, Director of Development
2024 Inspiration Fund award recipients
The Kids are All Riot, hosted by HomeTeam Seattle (Darkalino’s, HomeTeam Gallery) was a child-centric dance party to celebrate summer in historic Pioneer Square. The event was held in Occidental Mall, every Saturday in July and August of 2024. This event featured local area DJs and artists to bring art and music to Pioneer Square.
The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market by neighborhood artist Lloyd Gregory promoted arts participation and community relations through meaningful and unique experiences. The one-day event featured vendors, live music, food and drink, and activities for all ages. The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market took place in Occidental Square on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
