Historic Cooper Cultural Arts Center

Low-income youth have little access to art, a crucial vehicle for finding their voice. Rising rents are forcing many local artists out of Seattle. And Delridge's ethnic communities have no place to share and celebrate their cultures. Yet a valuable, historic building sits vacant and neglected.

"Arts education through partnerships with Arts Corps, your other arts partners, and the artists living in the building is a tremendous idea. We continue to be under-funded in our attempts to raise the quality of education...Through these types of innovative partnerships, we can see tremendous success."
- Raj Manhas, Seattle Public Schools

Enriching the entire community
Transforming Cooper School into an accessible, multicultural, affordable arts center will annually serve about 75,000 people: youth, ethnic communities and small and emerging arts groups. The renovated facility will foster partnerships to offer myriad forms of visual and performing arts and cultural expression, with a focus on improving the lives of our children.

Up to 50 artists will live and work on-site, harnessing their creativity, building connections, and sharing the diversity of the artistic spirit.

• A renovated historic landmark, open to all
• 36 permanently affordable live/work studios for artists
• A hub for diverse arts, cultural, educational and ethnic organizations
• A theater and gallery attracting citywide audiences
• World-class learning opportunities for at-risk youth

Location: 4408 Delridge Way SW
Construction begins February 2005

Take a Photographic Tour

"Historic Cooper School defines and creates a sense of place in Delridge and will become a central point for art, celebrations, civic engagement and learning."
- Ricardo Frazer, Seattle Arts Commission