Future Arts, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is on a mission to transform the city’s identity from a predominantly tech-driven hub to a vibrant center of technological and artistic synergy. Co-founded by Yuliya Bruk and Anna Czoski, graduates of the University of Washington’s Digital Arts and Experimental Media program, Future Arts aims to bridge the significant wage gap between tech professionals and artists, while fostering deeper collaboration between these two seemingly disparate worlds. Their ambitious goal, a “big, hairy, audacious goal” (BHAG), is to establish an artist-in-residence program within every tech company in Seattle within the next decade, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing startups featured on the GeekWire 200 list. This vision stems from the belief that artist residencies are pivotal for community engagement, cultural development, and the overall vibrancy of a creative economy.
Bruk and Czoski, armed with their respective backgrounds in marketing/advertising within the tech industry and computer animation/UX design, are uniquely positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of technology and art. Bruk’s experience at Amazon, where she spent over seven years, provided her with firsthand insight into the dynamics of the tech world and the increasing marginalization of artists in a city rapidly transforming into a tech epicenter. This firsthand experience fueled her desire to advocate for artists and create a platform that would not only elevate their visibility but also integrate their creative perspectives into the tech landscape. Czoski’s journey through the gaming industry and her experience with founding a VR company further solidified their shared vision of a future where technology and art are seamlessly intertwined.
The stark contrast between the median earnings of tech workers in Seattle, reaching record highs of $157,000 in 2023, and the significantly lower income of artists highlights the urgent need for initiatives like Future Arts. The organization recognizes the risk of Seattle losing its creative talent to other cities like New York and Los Angeles, where artists may find greater opportunities and financial stability. Their mission is not just to retain existing artists, but also to attract new creative individuals to Seattle, fostering an environment where interdisciplinary creativity is supported and nurtured, rather than being overshadowed by the dominance of the tech industry. This involves creating a sustainable ecosystem where artists can thrive, through initiatives like artist residencies, collaborative projects, and public art installations.
Future Arts employs a multifaceted approach to achieving its goals. They leverage partnerships, sponsorships, and grants to fund various programs and initiatives designed to support underserved artists working with technology. These programs encompass a strong focus on youth education, fostering the next generation of tech-savvy artists. Their “hybrid livestream experience,” Future Arts Live!, provides a platform for dialogue and interaction with artists, while initiatives like the “Augment Seattle Showcase” demonstrate the power of mixed reality art to engage the public and transform urban spaces. Furthermore, their collaboration with Cornish College of the Arts on the “Cut, Crush. Decay” mural exemplifies their commitment to interdisciplinary projects that blend art, technology, and environmental consciousness.
To ensure the sustainability of their operations and to increase their capacity to support artists financially, Future Arts has launched a membership program called Future Sparks. This program invites community members to contribute monthly, starting from as little as $10, to support the arts and gain access to future events. This initiative reflects their commitment to building a community-supported model that empowers artists and ensures the long-term viability of their mission.
While some tech companies, including Amazon and Meta, have shown a willingness to incorporate art into their workspaces, Future Arts envisions a more comprehensive integration of artists into the tech industry. They believe that every tech company should embrace the concept of artist residencies, recognizing the unique value that artists bring to the table. By placing artists alongside engineers, developers, and program managers, they aim to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and spark new forms of innovation. Their ultimate goal is to transform Seattle into more than just a tech hub, but a dynamic center of creativity and technological advancement, where art and technology work in harmony to shape the future of the city. They see this integration as essential to preserving the heart of Seattle, ensuring that it continues to beat with creative energy and innovation.
