Each spring, Capitol Hill Housing hosts a public forum for the community to discuss an issue relevant to the neighborhood. Returning May 20, the focus will be on forming an Arts District on Capitol Hill, and speakers include Seattle Arts Commission chair, Michael Seiwerath and Office of arts & Culture cultural space liaison, Matthew Richter.
Capitol Hill Housing’s 9th Annual Community Forum: Launching a Capitol Hill Arts District
Tuesday, May 20 5:30 pm
Oddfellows Building – 2nd Floor West Hall – 915 E. Pine St.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-forum-launching-a-capitol-hill-arts-district-registration-11423091775
- 5:00 Doors
- 5:30 Vibrant and Engaged Communities: Capitol Hill Housing’s vision
- 5:45 Arts Districts and the city of Seattle: Councilmember Nick Licata
- 5:50 Arts District Intro: Michael Seiwerath
- 6:00 Successful Case Study: Greg Esser, Roosevelt Row Arts District Phoenix, AZ
- 6:20 Discussion: What does Capitol Hill want out of an arts district?
- 120 second speed round featuring Matthew Richter, City of Seattle Cultural Space Liaison; Tonya Lockyer, Executive Director, Velocity Dance Center; Leslie Bain, Frameworks Cultural Placemaking; Jason Plourde, Three Dollar Bill Cinema; and others
- 6:35 Facilitated discussion, moderated by Andy Fife
- 7:00 Program ends, bar opens, opportunity for socializing
As a recent map and study from the city of Seattle shows, there are 28 arts spaces on Capitol Hill. It’s a neighborhood with a long, proud tradition as an arts destination. But real estate development pressures are increasing, and citywide five arts organizations rent for every one that owns.
Creating an arts district will bring attention to the many arts companies and venues on Capitol Hill, and will help build a case for tools to preserve them. Building on successful arts districts in other cities, a Capitol Hill Arts District could bring shared marketing plans, pole banners and wayfinding, and developer’s tools for preserving and creating arts spaces.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
