We’re opening a second community art space just blocks away from the current CAM studio you know and love. Our current space is still thriving and now with two locations will have more opportunities for artists and the public to share resources, create community programming, and bolster the vitality of our city . Here’s some of what we’re planning!
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This expansion marks a significant milestone as it enables us to extend our support to three times the number of artists we currently serve, including an increased capacity for material-based artists, print artists, and the inclusion of over 50 writer members. In line with Common AREA’s ethic of accessibility, all memberships are affordable and many available on a sliding scale model.
Aligned with our mission to break down barriers to art access and engagement, our events and workshops are thoughtfully designed to be either free or offered at an affordable cost. These encompass a diverse array of experiences, such as art exhibitions, performance art, readings, lectures, and an ever-expanding catalog of educational opportunities.
At the heart of our community lies a unique programming model that encourages individuals from all walks of life to propose their ideas freely. Importantly, we never burden our community with production fees, adhering to a no-cost model for realizing these collaborative and innovative community programming concepts.
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In collaboration with creators from across Seattle and the NW we are building a bookstore for independent publishers, artists, and the public to gather and share works. It’s not about the transaction of buying a book so much as creating a place where people can dwell with the printed word. Our local community of writers, comix / book artists, printers, and teachers will curate the space to make it inclusive and welcoming. It will give zine fair energy a place to thrive year round.
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We're thrilled to invite artists of all backgrounds to join us in creating a shared resource for teaching and learning opportunities in Seattle. Our vision is to provide a welcoming platform that fosters creativity, resource sharing, and community-driven growth for anyone eager to learn!
In our open classroom, artists from various disciplines can explore and expand their teaching capabilities. Whether you're passionate about writing, printmaking, drawing, performance arts or other disciplines, we want to support you.
Whether you're an experienced teacher looking to expand your horizons or a passionate artist eager to share your expertise, our open classroom is the perfect space for you to thrive, learn, and contribute to our communities.
Join us in shaping the future of art education in Seattle!
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As CAM expands, so does our print shop. Managed by a team of three dedicated printers, we're now extending an invitation to a broader community interested in print arts and publishing.
Our guiding principle of resource sharing continues to shape our approach. Whether you're an experienced print artist or someone with a project in mind, you'll discover an environment that fosters creativity and encourages collaboration.
We are relying on community support to make this happen!
Get involved here
Making Wild Art Spaces That Last
Art spaces that resist commodification have always been ephemeral – flourishing in warehouses or soon-to-be demolished buildings – existing on the economic fringes of Seattle. Their existence within the city is increasingly jeopardized by the rising cost of living, and with the loss of these third spaces we lose the hubs where people can play, dream, and experiment.
Our vision is to create a space that endures, maintaining that wildness while sustaining the people who make it possible. CAM’s expansion is a critical step towards accomplishing that vision.
Community and Collaboration
Maintaining a community arts space with limited resources pushes us to envision beyond our limitations. We are constantly building the tools, spaces, and coalitions of people we need to support our ideas and our community. This commitment to resource sharing and resourcefulness helps us foster community well-being, whether that is expanding our capacity to support artists financially, establishing and nurturing scholarships to democratize access, or nurturing the emergence of arts leadership roles within our community.
“CAM is an incredible space centered on community care, with a strong emphasis on making sure everyone has what they need to thrive”
Asha Helmstetter — Second Ave Sign Project Resident Artist
Built by artists to support artists.
CAM's expansion reflects our mission of creating and manifesting more resources for the arts community and the public. The expansion into a new space is not just about physical growth, but embracing diverse forms of involvement through curatorial ideas, attending events, volunteering, and fostering connections. Tending to this supports our long-term vision of a thriving ecosystem of arts and culture in Seattle.
