mission
The Shunpike strengthens the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work.
History
The Shunpike was founded in 2001 to strengthen the Seattle arts community by partnering with artists to more effectively present and distribute their work. It focuses specifically on emerging artists and arts organizations, helping them negotiate the many administrative, business and production challenges inherent in making art and developing sustainable institutions. The Shunpike achieves these goals with a highly talented staff of arts professionals as well as a strong network of experienced artists, administrators and resource providers. Since its inception, it has successfully supported the work of over 500 artists working in diverse media including live performance, film, literary arts, theatre, visual arts and arts education.
What is a Shunpike?
The word "shunpike" has its origins in post-colonial New Hampshire:
When the "Turnpike" was built around 1810 or so, by the Hampton Causeway Turnpike Corporation, in Hampton Falls, NH, a toll was charged to cross it at Taylor's River.
Not content with the payment of a toll, some of the residents got together and built a slight bridge called the "Shunpike" across the Taylor's River, some distance west of the Turnpike bridge, where travelers and teamsters could cross without charge. This continued on until April 12, 1826, when the toll on the Turnpike was discontinued and has remained a free road to this day.
- John Holman, the Hampton, NH Library
Our Shunpike is designed with the same spirit in mind: helping artists band together to create their own path to success, thereby avoiding the tolls exacted by the mainstream media.
