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Friends of KEXP 

Description

KEXP champions music and discovery through a variety of free services on the air, online, and out in the community. KEXP’s services directly benefit three groups: Music Lovers, Artists, and the Music Community. As the Northwest’s leading contemporary music organization, KEXP serves a culturally curious constituency that has diverse taste in arts programming, introducing them to music from all over the world.

Mission Statement
KEXP enriches people's lives by championing music and discovery.
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Friends of KEXP
113 Dexter Ave N 
Seattle 
WA
98109-5103 
(206) 520-5843 

Tom Mara 
Executive Director 

Programs

Friends of KEXP Programs

Curated Music Broadcast: KEXP honors and encourages artists through 31 original programs, curated in its home studios in Seattle. During each hour of broadcast, KEXP features at least one artist from the Pacific Northwest alongside emerging and established national and international artists. KEXP produces more than 98% of its own broadcast, to create a relevant listening experience reflecting the true sounds of the Northwest.

Live Performances: KEXP broadcasts hundreds of exclusive live performances over the air and online through a real-time online stream. At least 25% of the performances will be from local Pacific Northwest artists. These rich performance experiences bolster the work of emerging local and touring artists, encourage the people who are listening to support the artists and local music businesses by attending concerts, and provide audiences with an intimate broadcast experience.

Free Community Events: KEXP presents more than two dozen events annually, including a wide range of events and remote broadcasts from U.S. music festivals, like Bumbershoot in Seattle and SXSW in Austin, and free community events like KEXP Concerts at the Mural, which were attended by 8,000 people in 2011. KEXP also helps the local non-profit community through its Community Partnership Initiative, by hosting a season of monthly benefit concerts to raise awareness for select Washington non-profits.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

KEXP has seen great success through its investment in capturing high-quality videos of exclusive in-studio performances, enabling more people to discover more music. In 2011, videos on KEXP's YouTube channel were viewed more than 11 million times. These in-studio performances enable audiences to witness the creative process, as they view intimate sessions where artists connect with one another in ways not seen in a typical music venue during a performance for a large audience.

KEXP is currently seeking support for its core operating services, which include on-air and online broadcasting, free community events and live in-studio performances.

Evaluation


By providing free music experiences on-air, online and in the community, KEXP is able to help local musicians gain exposure and to champion music discovery in our community.

Proven Success
KEXP is the most streamed public radio station in the country and was recently named one of the top five radio stations in the country by Rolling Stone magazine. KEXP reaches more than 147,000 people through their broadcast signal in Seattle and New York and reaches thousands more of the global community through KEXP.org. This both enhances their ability to champion local music in our community as well as expose the international community to Seattle artists.

Collaboration
Through the Community Partnership Initiative KEXP provides nonprofit organizations with month-long media campaigns that culminate in a benefit concert at the Sunset Tavern. In 2010, KEXP raised more than $7,000 for nine organizations while exposing them to KEXP’s broadcast and online listener base.

Best Practices
KEXP was one of the first arts organization to utilize the “Theory of Change” structure to clearly define its long-term impacts on their constituencies. This year KEXP will implement an annual “Key Outcomes and Impact” evaluation strategy to ensure programming and services are continually assessed, refined and mission driven.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
9/10/2011 $7,500.00support general operating expenses.
9/17/2008 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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