What is the Shunpike?

The Shunpike strengthens the Seattle arts community by partnering with small and mid-sized arts groups to develop the business tools they need to succeed.

In 2001 a group of young artists and arts administrators founded the Shunpike to support a vibrant and diverse local arts community where arts groups of all sizes could thrive. We realized taht the efficient use of resources and smart management could help arts groups do what they do best -- now and in the long term.

The Shunpike understands how hard it is for small and mid-sized arts groups to do business while they're making art. Working in close partnership with these groups, we help solve problems quickly and impart vital skills in finance, organizational management, and arts administration. By customizing our services for the needs of each group, we strike a balance between what we do for clients and what we teach them to do on their own.

Since our inception, we have supported work by more than 1,000 artists working in live performance, film, literary arts, visual arts, and arts education.