Help Asylum Collective Build a Café, Art Studios, & More
Tax deductible
Asylum Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free, inclusive creative spaces for artists and the community in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square. We're on a mission to foster creativity, collaboration, and empowerment, and we need your help to make it happen!
Asylum Collective was established in 2023 to directly address and spur artistic revitalization in Seattle. Originating from the director's passion for community organizing, advocacy, art, and the people that make it, in equal measure-- and often exceeded-- by the incredible hard work, experience, and character of the Board, our organization stands as a testament to creativity, community, and inclusivity.
In a world where the capitalist concepts often dictate that one must monetize experience, time, and community to succeed and create connections, Asylum Collective provides a much-needed alternative. The founding board members recognized the lack of truly free spaces for artists to work, gather, and create in Seattle. Asylum was formed with the belief that art and community should be accessible to all, providing resources and spaces for aspiring and established artists who lack access to art supplies and venues.
Our culture is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. We celebrate diversity and hard work, encouraging individuals to express themselves freely and push the boundaries of artistic expression. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain dedicated to our vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive artistic community where people can not only survive, but thrive.
At Asylum Collective, we strive to foster an environment where artists of all backgrounds can thrive and flourish. Our mission goes beyond hosting residencies or throwing captivating shows open to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. We also provide free educational and creative resources through initiatives like:
- Local and international artist residencies
- Free workshops and classes
- Clothing swaps and swap meets with free booths for vendors
- A free café
- Open “create” hours with truly free access to materials, instruments, and tools
- Narcan distribution and overdose prevention training
- Queer celebrations on the weekends, such as our Sapphic Soirée
Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a global network of artistic exchange and collaboration.
Located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square at 108 S Jackson St, Asylum Collective is nestled in a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit. Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is a hub of creativity and history, with its beautifully preserved architecture and galleries. We are technically a part of the Seattle Underground-- our space has been a Italian restaurant (supposedly owned and frequented by the mob), a jazz record store, a storage spot for illicit goods during prohibition, a bank vault, an art gallery, part of the Seattle Museum of Modern Art, and more!
How We Are Spending the Money:
- Art Supplies and Tools for Public Use: This includes looms, paints, spinning wheels, pottery wheels, and more to ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to create.
- Upgrades to the Main Space: Enhancing seating and lighting to make our space more comfortable and functional for all visitors.
- Develop our daytime programming: Open daytime hours 3-4 days a week with open access to studios, tools, laptops, wi-fi, art supplies, and more + free tea and coffee
- Upgrades to the Bar for Our Coffee Program: Minor plumbing projects for the espresso machine, sink, and other necessities to improve our free café.
- Completing Build-Out on Remaining Studios: Ensuring all studio spaces are fully functional and ready for artists.
- Grants for Incoming Artists: Budgeting 3 x $500 grants for our incoming artists to use on tools and materials to support their creative endeavors.
- Trainer Certification: Certification in CPR and Stop the Bleed so staff can train and certify interested volunteers for free.
- Sound System Upgrades: Minor improvements to enhance audio quality for events and activities.
- Additional Instruments for Public Use: Acoustic guitars, drums, additional pedals & synths, and other instruments to enrich the creative experience for everyone.
- Completing the Recording Booth Build-Out: Finalizing the recording booth to provide high-quality recording opportunities for artists.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the mission of Asylum Collective and our dream of establishing a free, inclusive creative hub in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. Your support will play a crucial role in helping us build and improve our facilities, ensuring that art and creativity are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means. Join us on this exciting journey and help us shape a future where everyone has access to queer spaces, dancing, music, creative tools, classes in every medium, studio space, and kindred spirits. Every contribution counts and brings us one step closer to realizing this vision. Support our campaign and become part of something truly remarkable-- help provide a free, inclusive space in Seattle where the community can create, gather, and celebrate without financial barriers.
Organizer
Kiko Kurosawa-Grasa
Organizer
Seattle, WA
The Asylum Collective
Beneficiary