“Regional arts and heritage programs are getting an unexpected windfall,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, an ex-officio member of the 4Culture Board of Directors. “King County’s strong economy means that 4Culture’s portion of the hotel-motel tax revenue was 23 percent higher than projected in 2006. Investing those additional funds into arts and cultural programs not only improves the quality of life for those who live in King County, it will also keep King County attractive to those who travel here for business and pleasure.”

“Arts, culture and heritage programs enable talented local artists to create new works, bring together communities around shared cultural experiences, and keep the past alive for present and future generations,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, who joined Phillips on the 4Culture board this year. “4Culture has an exemplary record of funding neighborhood and regional organizations to the great benefit of the people of King County.”

4Culture is a tax-exempt public corporation separate from county government that manages programs and cultural services. King County is responsible for dispersing the proceeds from the state hotel-motel tax revenues that are designated by state law for funding cultural programs such as 4Culture. By law, unanticipated revenues are allocated to 4Culture.

4Culture was established in January 2003 to continue the work of the King County Arts Commission, Public Art Commission and the heritage programs of the Landmarks Commission. 4Culture is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors who are nominated by the King County Executive and confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council.