Regional

Fremont Bridge. Image Credit: Shakespeare at English Wikipedia (CC by 3.0)

With rising real estate prices, it can be hard for artist’s to find space to live, work or exhibit. Fortunately, the Seattle area has also seen a rise in artist residencies that make that dream a little more affordable. And some have been cropping in places you might not expect.

For instance, take Seattle’s iconic Fremont Bridge. For about a year, the bridge’s northwest tower has harbored a workspace funded by SDOT specifically for artists, musicians and writers.  For four months, resident artists have access to the 8′-by-13′ space for working, an observation platform or “base from which to interact with the community.” The artist also receives a $10,000 stipend, half of which must be spent on materials.

Other residencies take their inspiration from the city’s ecology. The Duwamish Residency, which was created in 2012, is a summer residency that places artists in industrial areas along the Duwamish River. Through this residency, artists explore the river’s important economic and environmental impact, as well as engage in projects for cleaning up the site. Artists who want a bit more isolation in nature can take up residency at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, living in a small two-bedroom house over a stream in the woods.

Of course, the city has also seen a growth in residencies in more typical urban arts areas such as Pioneer Square and university galleries. But with the city’s real estate prices continuing to climb, it is no surprise that creatives are carving out new spaces for their work.