SOUTHEAST SEATTLE – The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs recently announces funding awards to 39 neighborhood arts festivals and events, including four in Southeast Seattle.

BeatWalk in Columbia City, Cinco de Mayo on Beacon Hill, Pista sa Nayon in Seward Park and Word Expressed in the MLK, Jr. Way district will each receive $1,200, along with all the other winners.

“Seattle’s neighborhoods are home to a range of cultural events that help forge connections among diverse communities,” said Vincent Kitch, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. “By investing in these events we hope to support creativity at a grassroots level and help build community through arts and cultural participation.”

The award program supports neighborhood groups that produce recurring festivals or events that promote arts and cultural participation, build community and enhance the visibility of neighborhoods through arts and culture.

For a complete listing of events and festivals funded in 2012, go here.

Photo/BeatWalk