Whether your medium is paint, metal, film or flute, Renton invites you into its growing creative community. You’ll find events and opportunities to show your work, demonstrate your skills and sell your art.
Renton’s public art programs offer many ways to be part of the local arts scene, from the hydrant painting program to serving on the Renton Municipal Arts Commission.
Choose a Setting that Suits You
For an inspiring creative setting, Renton checks all the boxes. Nature-filled spaces include parks, trails, lakefront and buildings (the library’s over a river!).
Planes and manufacturing business provide an industrial backdrop. Coffee shops, outdoor dining and shopping centers offer a vibe of their own.
Renton is close to major roadways and Sea-Tac Airport, making it easy to connect with suppliers, models and musicians from the Puget Sound area or across the country.
Find Support for the Business Side of Art
Have an idea for a creative-minded business or project?
City officials can help with the permit process, identifying filmmaking locations or acquiring licenses.
Workspace leases, supplies and other costs are lower in Renton compared with larger cities.
Renton also supports creative efforts through grant programs offered by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the city’s Neighborhood Program.
Explore Renton's Creative Opportunities
The Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC) is the place to start when learning about the city’s creative community. Formed in 1965, the RMAC advocates, advises and increases funding opportunities for arts and culture activities.
RMAC manages the following arts programs and opportunities:
Renton Roadshow
The Roadshow program was created in February 2020 to give local artists the opportunity to perform during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Since then, the Roadshow has become a popular way to bring free, live music and performances to events and neighborhoods around the city.
Arts & Culture Master Plan
The City of Renton created a multi-year Arts & Culture Master Plan to recognize the important role of the arts in economic and community development. Community members helped define a vision for the arts and established a commitment to implementing activities in the plan.
Arts & Culture Newsletter
Want to be notified of periodic calls for artists, cultural networking events or public art opportunities? Sign up for the monthly RMAC e-newsletter and stay updated on public art and urban enhancement projects.
Public Art
Renton is home to a vibrant arts scene where you will find a growing collection of city-owned art on display throughout the city.
The majority of the city’s collection is permanently located and easy to find.
Apply for Financial Support
Grants are available to support Renton-based creative projects. The city also can connect you with business startup resources for financing or development advice.
Public events and programs related to arts and culture may be eligible for financial support through the following grant programs:
Arts and Culture Grants Program
RMAC offers grants to individuals, organizations and community groups for public arts and culture activities. The commission encourages projects that inspire new forms of creative participation, especially for underserved groups.
Applications are reviewed quarterly.
City of Renton Neighborhood Program Grants
The city’s Neighborhood Program provides matching grant funds to help neighborhood organizations with enhancement projects and events. Examples include murals, art-based structures, a community concert or multicultural festival.
Join the Creative Economy
A creative economy is the income-earning potential of creative activities and ideas. Where arts, culture, business and technology meet, that’s a creative economy. People participate in a creative economy through conventional employment and, most commonly, in freelance ventures. Examples include small businesses offering small-batch foods, crafts, entertainment, fine art and more.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity and funding to create art in Renton. As I created my installation, community members were so friendly and encouraging. This program provides a wonderful benefit for artists and the community." ~ Christy Caravaglio, artist, 2021 Grant Recipient
Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC)
RMAC Grants Program
City of Renton Neighborhood Program Grants
City of Renton Economic Development Division
Renton Chamber of Commerce
Renton Downtown Partnership
Renton Farmers Market
First Friday in Downtown Renton
Renton Roadshows
Renton Multicultural Festival
Renton Technical College gallery
Renton History Museum
Renton Civic Theatre
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center
Cascade Writers
Seattle Film Summit
Visit their webpage for more information on these organizations and programs, and to find out how you can get involved in Renton’s creative community.