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: This 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.
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 Hines, 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.
Applications for Q4 (October-December) are now open!
Applications for Q4 are due August 31, 2026 by 11:59PM.
CALL SUMMARY
Shunpike facilitates the use of The Studio at 2+U, an artist-centered rehearsal, workshop, and presentation space that addresses the urgent need for affordable arts and cultural space in Downtown Seattle.
The 1,100 sq. ft. performing arts studio is located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, on 2nd Ave and University Street. Artists use The Studio space to rehearse, create new work, collaborate, host publicly accessible performances and classes, and have focused time to experiment. The Studio was created with underserved creative communities in mind, those most affected by gentrification and displacement, and is available at no cost to selected musical and movement artists.
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 three months.
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