5 ways Seattle Rep’s Public Works Seattle supports cultural access
Recently Seattle Repertory Theatre introduced Public Works Seattle. Plain and simple, this is theatre of, by, and for the people. Public Works Seattle will invite people from all around our community, both from a wide scope of neighborhoods across our region to collaborate from beginning to end on the creation of a time-honored play, alongside professional artists and regional performance groups. This production will then premiere at the Seattle Rep for the public to enjoy, free of charge.
In case you couldn’t guess, our hearts fluttered in excitement here at Cultural Access Washington when we heard about Public Works Seattle. This complex program addresses so many different elements of cultural accessibility. How exactly, you ask? Let us count the ways!
1. Partnerships galore
At the root of Public Works Seattle is Seattle Rep’s partnership with community organizations outside the arts sector. As of now, the Public Works Seattle program partners includes The Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Path with Art, Jubilee Women’s Center, Centerstone, and Sound Generations/Ballard NW Senior Center.
Not only does having these friends on board mean that Public Works Seattle is opening wide its doors, but it also reaches new communities that are not currently engaged with the arts! These communities are being invited into the theatre in ways they never have been before as both spectators and creators, to a welcoming and inspiring space.
2. Education for all
We’re not shy about it here at CAWA — we love education! And a big part of this collaboration is classes. Communities will participate in classes together “ranging from improv to spoken word to musical theatre and Shakespeare.”
While this will provide a platform for participants to create together, arts education is beneficial in many ways beyond the creation of art! The arts help to educate the whole person, in and outside of the classroom. Practicing creativity together promotes wellness, cultivates social skills, and builds stronger connections between us. Participants of Public Works Seattle will be able to enroll in arts classes they may never have been able to access before, allowing them to explore a new part of themselves.
3. Diverse voices
A regular criticism of the arts is an unfortunate and unwelcoming elitism felt by some new to the environment. This stems from a lack of diverse voices represented in arts spaces, creating the lack of relatability for many audiences. When you cannot connect with a piece of art, it becomes inaccessible to you.
Public Works Seattle is actively working against this issue. By inviting in the community, Seattle Rep is creating space to amplify voices and open the mind of the entire public. Seattle Rep is also creating space to learn from the communities they’re working with, in a true collaboration. Not only does this give a platform for those usually not heard and creates an opportunity to invite in those that may think art is not for them, it also creates critical dialogue between these communities to create art not only for, but by the people. By creating spaces for new audiences to connect and see themselves on stage, we create an exciting opportunity for accessibility.
4. Free of charge
Cost is often cited as one of the most impenetrable barriers people face when choosing to attend an arts event. Particularly with the rising cost of living in the city of Seattle, many people of course must choose to provide essential needs for their families over the attendance of enriching arts events.
This is an issue with which arts organizations are constantly grappling. Seattle Rep is addressing this problem head-on by making the final production of this collaboration free of charge. As we stated earlier, this is theatre of, by, and for the people. By eliminating cost as a barrier, Seattle Rep is creating essential accessibility. They are opening their doors to the community to see what we can all create together.
5. You can be a part of it
Maybe that sounds a bit scary, but it’s the best part of Public Works Seattle. None of this would be possible without the public. People who feel passionate about creating cultural access for all can help support this program and grow its capacity. Seattle Rep has opened its arms to welcome the community! Why not help them out?
There are many ways you can be a part of Public Works Seattle. You can participate, advocate, and support this new program! Check out Seattle Rep’s Public Works Seattle page to get more details on the program and how you can be involved.
