Our Story
In December 2015, the Central Area became Seattle’s second official Arts & Cultural District. The Historic Central Area Arts & Cultural District (HCAACD) is located in Seattle’s historically African-American neighborhood, a geographic area that was initially redlined, relegating African American residency to this part of the City.
We intend to claim our history as a former redlined district in pursuit of maintaining, sustaining, and uplifting Black Arts & Culture in Seattle. HCAACD seeks to preserve the Black legacy in the Central Area by:
Becoming a resource and supporting body
Advocating for Black Artists
Collaborations and partnerships
Placemaking and fostering a sense of place throughout the neighborhood
Facilitating and activating as much as possible
HCAACD is currently led by co-chairs Sharon Nyree Williams and Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, and its founding community partners included:
Africatown | Ariel Productions | Black Heritage Society of Washington State | Brownbox Theatre | Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas | Cortona Café (co-owner) | Coyote Central | Hidmo Cypher (now Black Power Unlimited) | The James and Janie Washington Foundation | Jubilee Community Church | Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute | Meredith Mathews YMCA | Northwest African American Museum | Nu Black Arts West Theatre | Pratt Fine Arts Center | Seattle Black Arts Alliance
Vision
The Central Area is a vital and vibrant hub for Black culture and community.
Mission
To honor the legacy and ensure the future vitality of Black arts and culture in the Central Area.
Values
Black Arts Stewardship, Black Ownership, Community Impact, Collaboration, Facilitation, Intergenerational Engagement, Transparency
Foundational Pillars
We recognize that the work we are challenged to do did not start with us and will continue beyond us. We believe, as a community, we can work together to honor our pillars.
Pillar 1
Preserving Black legacy in the Central Area
Pillar 2
Sustaining and Strengthening the physical identity and sense of place for cultural relevancy
Pillar 3
Establishing a formalized forum for continued support of artistic creation, economic vibrancy, livability, affordability, desirability, and artistic vitality.
