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.
Amazon AiR - the artist-in-residence program: In 2018 we launched the Amazon Artist-in-Residence program. Every year, 7 artists are selected for a 10-week residency each. The residencies are split between the 1,100 square foot studio space Seattle, and 1,100 square foot studio in Bellevue. This unique program provides several opportunities for interaction with Amazon staff, through workshops, artist talks and exhibitions. Shunpike's AiR Salons also provide an opportunity to present residency work to the general public.
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.
OVERVIEW
The Seattle Office of Economic Development is partnering with Seattle Good Business Network and Shunpike to match 45 vacant Seattle storefronts with pop-up shops and art installations. These projects will benefit neighborhoods, small businesses, artists and property owners by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes that encourage the public to visit downtown Seattle, support local businesses and support local artists - particularly Black, Indigenous, and other entrepreneurs and artists of color. This program is funded by the Seattle Office of Economic Development
EVENT DATES
Activations have already begun, with projects running for at least three. Launch dates are flexible and may be ongoing.
COST
There is no cost to participate. Seattle Restored will provide property owners a fixed one-time $2,000 to help support space costs per activation plus $500 to offset utilities. This support to the property owner is a will not be adjusted based on size or duration of activation.
Seattle Restored will obtain liability insurance for each activated property, for the duration of the activation.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
- · Introduce your space to prospective long-term tenants
- Contribute to efforts that revitalize commercial and community spaces by providing economic opportunities for small businesses and artists
- Create goodwill in your community
- Have your space professionally photographed for future use
- Be included in a citywide multi-media campaign that includes digital, print, radio, transit ads and a dedicated profile page on SeattleRestored.org. Media partners are the Seattle Met, The Stranger, Intentionalist, Seattle Magazine, South Seattle Emerald and more!
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
- Allow use of the property with access to electricity for a minimum of two months
- Review and complete a Seattle Restored contract
- Collaborate on approval process for modifications to the space
- Be available to coordinate space renovations and have a point of contact for project coordination and tenant support
- Allow space to be documented through photography and video
- Participate in a post-program survey and reporting
Seattle Restored is powered by Shunpike, Seattle Good Business Network, and the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development
Shunpike empowers artists through equitable access to vital expertise, opportunities, and business services.
Seattle Good Business Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to connect and inspire people to buy, produce, and invest locally, so that everyone has a meaningful stake in the local economy.
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is committed to building an inclusive economy in the City of Seattle. OED works at all levels of our local economy to support small and micro-businesses, partner with Seattle neighborhood business districts, support creative business sectors and workers, partner with key industries that drive innovation, job growth and global competitiveness, and invest in our local workforce with an emphasis on young people, low-income, as well as un- and under-employed adults.
CALL SUMMARY
Skanska and Shunpike are offering 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 Shunpike Program Manager Hanako O'Leary at hanako@shunpike.org .