Seattle ReCreative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creativity, community, and environmental stewardship through creative reuse and arts education.
We are fundraising in order to obtain a space in which to operate our creative reuse and arts center.
We believe that art fuels innovation and collaboration, and endeavor to create a physical space and programmatic approach that reflects this belief. In this spirit, we would like to partner with the Phinney Neighborhood Association's Tool Library and Fixer's Collective to create a community center focused specifically on fostering creativity, conservation and ingenuity.
Moreover, we see this “makerspace” as a catalyst for social and intellectual enrichment. By bringing together members of our community not only to shop, but also to create, experience, and discuss art, we aim to foster cultural and personal connection amongst artists of all ages.
Major elements of our plan include:
Creative Reuse Retail Operation
In the retail portion of our space, we will collect donated materials that may otherwise end up in a landfill from local businesses and individuals to redistribute to our community. Proceeds from the resale of these goods will help us to fund our arts programming and enable us to provide free creative materials and professional development workshops to local public educators.
Studio Courses & Workshops
We will offer local artists, crafters and educators opportunities to teach, and to be compensated for sharing their expertise. Children’s classes will provide our young students with developmentally appropriate art-making experiences, while also exposing them to adult art practices and appreciation.
Courses and workshops will be conducted by artists, educators and environmental activists from both inside and outside our community.
Community Makerspace
Simply described, a makerspace is a community center with tools. In collaboration with the PNA Tool Library and Fixers Collective, we hope to offer publicly accessible manufacturing equipment and educational opportunities so that members of our community can design, prototype and create works that wouldn’t be possible with the resources available to individuals working alone.
Professional Development for Educators
By developing school partnerships with our neighborhood schools, our aim is to send teaching artists into Seattle schools and to provide Seattle educators with workshops on how to differentiate instruction by integrating creative projects into all content areas. Teachers and parent educators will learn how to use our free supplies to engage students in hands-on, standards-aligned creative projects that can link to literacy, math, science, and social studies.
Creative Playspace
Our facility will provide a creative playspace that is rich with opportunity for young children to develop their imaginations in a social environment. We believe it is important to cultivate an atmosphere that allows children a chance to initiate their own independent play and explore their ideas in an informal group setting with their peers.
Additionally, our creative playspace will allow parents/caregivers the opportunity to connect with one another, share common concerns, and watch as their little ones engage in new, creative learning experiences.
Exhibitions & Artist Marketplace
Within our retail space, we plan to host rotating art exhibitions and an artist marketplace to support local artists, inspire, and stimulate social connections.
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Needless to say, getting up and running will require a considerable amount of capital and labor, for both ReCreative and the PNA.
Estimated Costs for ReCreative’s Six Month Survival
Operating Expense: $65,000
Start Up Expenses: $ 3,000
Creative Playspace: $ 7,500
Total Cost: $75,500
Amount Raised to Date: $10,772
Neighborhood Donations Needed: $64,728
Your donation today goes toward this goal!
If providing greater access to low-cost arts education and creative materials, expanding Northwest Seattle's cultural opportunities, and fostering a sustainable, caring and innovative community are important to you: PLEASE GIVE!
