Gage Academy of Art has moved from its old location in Seattle to a new space at the base of Amazon’s re:Invent headquarters tower in South Lake Union. The move brings a colorful and artistic touch to the modern office skyscraper, creating a unique blend of tech and art within the same building. The new location, spanning 14,000 square feet over two floors, features flexible classroom designs, art studios, a gallery, and communal spaces to foster collaboration among students.
Amazon is providing Gage with more than $7.5 million in rent assistance over the next decade and has helped offset construction costs for the new space. The neighborhood surrounding the re:Invent tower is a hub of glass office buildings, residential towers, the Spheres, and various retail and restaurant spaces. Gage’s aesthetic, with paint-splattered easels and tables, unfinished finishes, and an overall artistic charm, stands out amidst the shiny corporateness of the area.
The move to the re:Invent tower aligns with efforts by the city and various organizations to revitalize downtown Seattle post-pandemic. Gage’s executive director, Kathleen Allen, views the partnership with Amazon as a proof of concept for other tech companies to support arts organizations and build community within their neighborhoods. The collaboration reflects Amazon’s commitment to creating space for the arts in downtown areas and Gage’s vision of becoming a big-city art school, offering unlimited possibilities for students and the community.
With about 100 to 120 students participating in drawing, painting, and sculpture programs each day, Gage Academy of Art serves as a hub for artistic learning and creativity. The school’s relationship with Amazon dates back to 2019 when it joined the Amazon Expressions program, providing art classes to Amazon employees. The move to the re:Invent tower expands this partnership and offers additional opportunities for Amazon employees and students to engage in artistic pursuits in a unique and inspiring environment.
The new space at the base of Amazon’s tower features classrooms, studio spaces, and communal areas filled with art supplies, sculptures, and paintings. Students enjoy a rustic yet modern setting, admiring the skyscrapers and bustling city corner where Gage is now located. The school’s teachers, staff, and working artists continue to enrich the artistic community with their knowledge and passion for the arts, fostering creativity and collaboration among students of all levels.
Overall, Gage Academy of Art’s move to the re:Invent tower signifies a promising partnership between a tech giant and an artistic institution, creating a vibrant and diverse community within the heart of Seattle. The blend of tech innovation and artistic expression in the same building sets a new standard for urban development and community engagement, showcasing the potential for collaboration between different industries to foster creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment.
