About Shunpike: Established by artists in 2001, Shunpike envisions a community where independent artists and arts groups thrive, creatively and economically, and where their work is widely valued as fundamental to the cultural, social and economic wellbeing of Washington State. To achieve this vision, we provide artists with the services, resources and opportunities they need to forge their own paths to sustainable success. Based on our key organizational values of inclusivity, relevance and accessibility, Shunpike strives to serve a diversity of independent artists and arts groups across Washington State, embracing artists working in all art-forms, as well as those identifying as emerging and/or established.
Our Commitment to Racial Equity: Inclusion means my voice is heard. Diversity means I am reflected and represented in the organization at every level. Equity means I am supported by systems and policies that ensure I succeed, despite historic patterns of hindered success. Shunpike is committed to this statement of equity and work to ensure that all staff and clients apply this lens to the work that they do.
The Storefronts Program: In 2010, an innovative consortium of city and neighborhood organizations inaugurated the Storefronts program in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and International District neighborhoods by activating empty storefronts with vibrant local art and creative projects. At the time, the initiative sought to address high retail vacancy rates that were symptomatic of the economic downturn. Though Seattle's economic climate is now stronger, Shunpike continues to support our creative community and urban neighborhoods by providing opportunities for artists to showcase dynamic, engaging works that reach out to passersby, humanize our built environment, and support urban revitalization.
ACES // Artists of Color Expo & Symposium: In 2017, with community guidance and participation, we held the first annual ACES at the Seattle Armory. ACES is a BIPOC-led event featuring performances, exhibits, workshops, films, presentations, artist talks, and info sessions. Our vision is to establish a space to celebrate and center ourselves, especially in communities of color where crisis breeds innovation. We gather in joy and solidarity, to celebrate our work and to see each other as resources, while focusing on the challenges and solutions we face as artists of color in the Pacific Northwest.
The Studio @ 2+U: In 2021, and in partnership with Skanska, we opened the doors to the Studio @ 2+U. Located on 2nd and University, 2+U is a 38-story high skyscraper office building located in the heart of the city. The Studio is a dedicated 1,100 sq. ft. workshop, rehearsal, and presentation space, and is available at no cost to selected musical, movement, and performing artists.
Click here to download the Submission Guidelines
About the program:
The Storefronts & Artist Residencies program transforms empty commercial spaces into vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. Launched in response to the 2008 economic downturn and expanded as part of Seattle Restored (2021-2025), the program has a 15-year track record of revitalizing urban neighborhoods by turning vacant storefronts into public art exhibitions and artist residencies.
Today, the program supports artists and creative entrepreneurs by providing high-visibility locations, financial support, and business development workshops to grow their professional practice. Through partnerships—such as the ongoing collaboration with Amazon in the South Lake Union and Allen Family Philanthropies across Downtown neighborhoods—the Storefronts & Artist Residencies program hosts 50+ artists annually, breathing new life into the urban core while enriching the cultural and economic fabric of Seattle’s downtown and surrounding communities.
About the application:
This application cycle is for the 2026 year of window art displays in South Lake Union The Storefronts manager will match proposals with available South Lake Union spaces at Shunpike’s sole discretion, following review by a panel made up of former participants, Shunpike board members, and a client representative. We cannot guarantee a specific property or placement timeframe.
There will be two exhibition rounds: one running from February through August 2026, and another from August 2026 through February 2027.
Storefronts: South Lake Union Program Timeline
(all dates are approximate and subject to change)
- Entry Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Artist Notifications: By the end of December
- Round 1 installation: February 16 & 17, 2026
- Round 1 deinstallation: August 3 & 4, 2026
- Round 2 installation: August 17 & 18, 2026
- Round 2 deinstallation: February 8 & 9, 2027
Eligibility & Application
- One application per artist or arts group. You can apply as a collective of two or more, but we prefer to have one applicant representing the collective. Collective proposals must be considered one cohesive installation. (please note we will only issue one stipend to one individual, checks cannot be split between multiple parties)
- Artists who have been placed in the Storefronts South Lake Union program in the last two years are ineligible for placement.
- Applicants who are current or future participants in a Downtown artist residency are eligible for placement.
- Applicants who have applied in the past and not received placement are encouraged to reapply
Artwork Requirements
- Works shall be existing or new works created for temporary installation.
- All visual media are accepted.
- Content must be G-rated and suitable for the general public.
- Flexible, dynamic installations that utilize display windows to their fullest potential and engage with the general public both day and night are preferred.
Installation Logistics & Responsibilities
- Artwork installation can take place between 10 AM and 4 PM on designated installation days. You will be given a two-day window to schedule a time for installation, and the installation must be complete by 4 PM on the second day.
- Artists are responsible for the installation of their artwork, as well as all materials and consumables required for installations. (This includes hanging hardware, temporary walls, tools, ladders, and any other materials needed to safely and completely install the artwork.)
- Artists are responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality work for the duration of the installation and will be asked to provide repair on request. Installations cannot be changed or modified during the duration of exhibition outside of a request from Storefronts management.
Restrictions
- Your installation cannot include window clings, signage, or anything that touches the glass.
- Any tags or signage that contain a price or solicitation will be removed.
- No permanent or semi-permanent changes can be made to the space (no wall painting, window treatments, etc.)
- Placement decisions will be made only using the information included in your application. Requests to change placement after acceptance may not be accommodated.
Stipend
The total compensation for this project is $1500, paid in two installments (50% after installation, 50% after deinstallation). Please note: there are no additional reimbursements for materials.
Submission Requirements:
- Artist bio, 400 words or less.
- Artist statement, 400 words or less.
- 4 – 6 representative work samples with related work list.
- Project proposal including:
- Conceptual statement (400 words or less)
- Detailed technical and space requirements. Are there specific requirements of your work like lighting, specific dimensions, or electrical power?
- Timeline required to prepare your project from date of notification – 2 months or less is preferred. How much advanced notice do you need to prepare your work and how long will it take to install?
- Proposed materials, technical requirements, and installation plan
- Mock-up, sketch or detailed written description of the project (existing or new) in a hypothetical space. This is to help panelists envision how your work will be displayed in a Storefronts location.
Access a “Wide” Storefronts Template
Access a “Tall” Storefronts Template
South Lake Union Specific Information
All projects will be subtenants of Shunpike and subject to the terms and conditions of Shunpike’s master lease with the property owner.
At this time, 100% of available spaces are shallow display vitrines provided by Amazon.
Vitrine Details:
- Depth: 15–30 inches
- Width: 3–20+ feet
- Height: 5–10 feet
- Glass-front display cases; not climate-controlled
- Conditions may include ambient humidity, direct sunlight, and heat
- Most vitrines have timer-controlled track lighting provided by Amazon; some do not have electrical power
Technical Requirements:
- Any additional electrical components must be UL-certified, meet fire code, and be pre-approved by Amazon engineers
- Access to vitrines is restricted to installation and deinstallation days under supervision of the Storefronts Program Manager
Questions? Email programs@shunpike.org.
CALL SUMMARY
Shunpike offers a space at 2+U for artists to take up space and work on their craft, which has been difficult to accomplish when stuck at home with neighbors.
"Since the pandemic, I have only been able to dance in my living room apartment. As someone who is 6'1" and lives on the third floor, I was so thrilled to have been blessed with an opportunity to move freely and actually fall on a studio floor. I am grateful for the opportunity provided at 2+U."
- Randy Ford, Dancer, and participant in the Studio at 2+U pilot program
ABOUT 2+U
2+U is a 38-story high skyscraper office building located in Seattle’s Central Business District. It occupies most of the city block bounded by First and Second Avenue with spectacular views to the south, east, and west. At 2+U, you’re steps away from local restaurants, Pioneer Square, The Waterfront, and entertainment that makes Seattle unique, paired with 2+U’s Urban Village, 2+U is the best the city has to offer. Found below the lifted office tower, the Urban Village is Seattle’s newest outdoor, open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood experience with flexible indoor/outdoor retail and events that celebrate the surrounding arts and creative community. The Studio is a dedicated space within the Urban Village for the local arts community to practice, perform, and exhibit their work.
The Studio is 1100 square feet with a maximum capacity of 49 people, has hardwood floors, a single restroom, and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Selected musical and movement artists and groups will have the opportunity to use The Studio for one day a week for up to three months, free of charge. It is a space for artists to create, practice, gather, and reflect. Upon the completion of their time in the Studio, artists will be eligible to apply again in six months' time.
If you have any questions please contact us at programs@shunpike.org
THE STUDIO at 2+U EVENT APPLICATION
Shunpike offers a space at 2+U for artists to take up space and work on their craft. The Studio is available for one-off events on Saturdays from 6 PM - 10 PM. Requests for alternate times will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ABOUT 2+U
2+U is a 38-story high skyscraper office building located in Seattle’s Central Business District. It occupies most of the city block bounded by First and Second Avenue with spectacular views to the south, east, and west. At 2+U, you’re steps away from local restaurants, Pioneer Square, The Waterfront, and entertainment that makes Seattle unique, paired with 2+U’s Urban Village, 2+U is the best the city has to offer. Found below the lifted office tower, the Urban Village is Seattle’s newest outdoor, open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood experience with flexible indoor/outdoor retail and events that celebrate the surrounding arts and creative community. The Studio is a dedicated space within the Urban Village for the local arts community to practice, perform, and exhibit their work.
The Studio is 1,100 square feet with a maximum capacity of 49 people, has hardwood floors, a single restroom, and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Selected musical and movement artists and groups will have the opportunity to use The Studio free of charge for a one-off event. It is a space for artists to create, practice, gather, and reflect.
If you have any questions please contact us at programs@shunpike.org