Storefronts Creative Enterprises 2013

The Creative Enterprise track of the Storefronts program provides a place to experiment and test out new creative business ideas. Arts installations that are not commercial are also considered; projects may be experiential installations. Creative Enterprise participants will have access to a space for three to six months, dependent on space availability and project success. Creative Enterprise spaces are open to the public, and participants must hold appropriate City of Seattle and State of Washington licenses and permits, as well as a general liability insurance policy. Selected artists and/or artist teams must hold set business hours. Possible Creative Enterprise uses include art galleries and museums, businesses with creative/innovative emphasis, experiential arts installations that the public interacts with, retail space for hand-made items, services such as art or dance classes, and merchandising creative products.

Storefronts is a program designed to activate vacant storefront spaces in various neighborhoods by providing temporary space to artists, creative businesses, organizations and community groups. The program operates in five Seattle neighborhoods as well as Auburn, Bellevue, and Mount Vernon, Washington. Individual artists, arts groups, or arts businesses may apply; arts groups are not required to have 501(c)3 status.

Selected participants receive access to a vacant space with no occupancy fee. Participants must enter into an agreement with Shunpike regarding terms of use, obtain appropriate City and State business licenses and permits, be willing to relocate if the property owner finds a permanent tenant, consult with Shunpike for business advice, present high quality artwork and/or service activity, partner with Storefronts to market and promote events, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Creative Enterprise participants must have a General Liability insurance policy and may be expected to pay for utilities depending on the storefront. The Storefronts panel and staff will pair applicants with available spaces based on applicant needs. Selection is based on innovation, artistic quality, capacity to be successful, benefit to the community, high level of street engagement, and strength of proposal. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by mid-April 2013.