Creative Economy

Renton's vibrant arts and creative sector plays a key role in enhancing our economic vitality, quality of life, and appeal to businesses and talent. We support the arts through grants, technical assistance, and a dynamic public arts program, fostering a rich cultural environment for our community. 

The city works closely with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC)  and other non-profit art groups to dispense the city's arts funding budget. Take a stroll and explore the colorful and magnificent outdoor art hidden within plain view of Renton's urban, yet small-town landscape. You may find it in some very surprising places.

Renton supports a variety of events and festivals, and the city's creative sector is home to innovative firms in art and digital technology. To learn more about the city's public art program or attend one of their meetings, contact us at arts@rentonwa.gov.

Paint with Purpose

About the Program

Picture of people painting a colorful mural on the side of a building

The City of Renton's Paint with Purpose initiative is a community-driven program designed to reduce graffiti and enhance public spaces by transforming them into vibrant works of art. By engaging property owners, businesses, and local artists, this initiative fosters community collaboration while beautifying the city.

How it Works

The Paint with Purpose program provides an opportunity for property owners, and businesses to partner with the City and local artists to create murals in areas affected by graffiti. The goal is to convert defaced or high-risk properties into visually appealing and culturally significant spaces.

Who can Participate?

Eligible Participants:

  • Public agencies, businesses, and property owners within Renton city limits who have experienced graffiti or are in high-risk areas.

Eligible Properties:

  • Public and private properties that have been vandalized or are prone to graffiti.

Application Process

Submit an Interest Form 

Property owners, businesses, or public agencies interested in a mural can easily fill out this form with your location, any past graffiti issues, and mural ideas. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee your building will be selected, but the City will support you throughout the process.

Mural of dark blue and light blue painted diamond shapes on a commercial building

Design and Implementation

  • Artist Collaboration - Property owners, artists, and City staff finalize mural designs together.
  • Permit Process - Murals are exempt from the City's Sign Code if they meet criteria for visibility, accessibility, and artistic quality.

Maintenance and Graffiti Prevention

  • Maintenance Plans - Artists and property owners agree on ongoing mural upkeep.
  • Protective Coating - Anti-graffiti coatings are applied to murals to help prevent future vandalism.
  • Reporting Graffiti - Residents can report graffiti through Renton Responds or by calling 425-430-7362.

Artist Roster Program

The Paint with Purpose initiative includes a vetted artist roster to streamline project selection. Artists undergo an application and review process based on experience, technical skills, artistic vision, and commitment to community collaboration.

Example of a Mural on a side of a commercial building

How to Get Involved as an Artist

If you're a local artist interested in participating, you can register to be added to the artist roster. Join the Paint with Purpose initiative today! Please note that applying does not guarantee selection.

Paint with Purpose Artist Interest Form 

 

 

Contact Information

For more details or to apply, contact Jessie Kotarski at jkotarski@rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7271.

Public Art Pieces

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 readily accessible to the public. You are invited to visit your art collection and enjoy the varied artworks that belong to the people of Renton.

 

Fire Hydrant Art

The South Renton neighborhood, which includes downtown is adding curb appeal in unsuspecting spots and community artists have been "adopting" fire hydrants and transforming these everyday objects into incredibly unique works of art. Unlike other public art projects on street signs or utility boxes, hydrants come in different styles with curves and angles for an artist to consider.

Take a virtual tour from your desktop and explore the hydrants of Renton.