Gage Academy of Art has relocated from a historic building in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood to Amazon’s re:Invent tower in South Lake Union. The move brings a colorful and creative aesthetic to the base of the modern office skyscraper, highlighting the potential for a diverse tech hub. The new location, spread over two floors and designed by Seattle architecture firm NBBJ, features flexible classrooms, art studios, and communal student spaces to promote collaboration. Amazon has provided Gage with substantial rent assistance and supported the cost of construction and space improvement.
The move to Amazon’s campus is a deliberate effort by Gage to bring an artistic and creative atmosphere to the shiny corporate environment of the neighborhood. The school’s executive director, Kathleen Allen, describes the new location as feeling like home and countering the corporateness of the surroundings. With the support of Amazon, Gage aims to establish itself as a vibrant artistic hub within the tech community, providing a model for other companies to support and integrate arts organizations into their neighborhoods to build community and revitalization.
The utilization of the space aligns with broader efforts to revitalize downtown Seattle post-pandemic, as seen in initiatives like Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan. Gage’s new location at the base of Amazon’s tower is seen as a proof of concept for integrating arts organizations into tech company campuses to foster a thriving downtown atmosphere. The partnership between Gage and Amazon reflects a shared commitment to creating a space for the arts, with both entities recognizing the importance of arts education and community building in a bustling city corner.
The new location at Amazon’s re:Invent tower provides numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration for Gage Academy of Art. The school’s various programs in drawing, painting, and sculpture attract around 100 to 120 students daily, with a team of employees and artists providing instruction and support. Gage’s existing relationship with Amazon through the Expressions program, offering art classes to Amazon employees since 2019, will be extended through the proximity of the new location, allowing for increased engagement and accessibility to arts education for tech workers and the community.
Students and faculty alike are adjusting to the move, with some expressing nostalgia for the rustic feel of Gage’s previous location while acknowledging the potential for growth and connection in the new space. The school’s atmosphere is characterized by paint-splattered easels, art supplies, and diverse studio materials, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment for artistic exploration. Amazon’s support has enabled Gage to expand its reach and impact, providing a platform for creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the heart of Seattle’s tech hub, setting a precedent for future partnerships between tech companies and arts organizations.
Overall, Gage Academy of Art’s move to Amazon’s re:Invent tower represents a unique collaboration between the tech industry and the arts, showcasing the potential for vibrant, diverse communities to thrive in urban environments. By integrating arts education and creative spaces into corporate campuses, companies like Amazon can contribute to the cultural vitality and revitalization of city neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community, connection, and creativity among employees and residents alike. Through innovative partnerships and investments in the arts, tech companies have the opportunity to support local cultural institutions and contribute to the development of dynamic, inclusive urban environments.
