Support our Community Roots Initiative!

SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) is pleased to announce that we have reached the halfway mark of our capital campaign goal to raise $334,127 to continue renovation of the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (RVCC) and the Columbia City Gallery! With strong initial investments from area foundations and businesses, we are now ready to bring our campaign to our neighboring businesses in Southeast Seattle!

The Community Roots Initiative’s major goals are:

• To anchor arts opportunities in the Southeast Seattle community;
• To revitalize historic buildings and preserve critical community space for use by neighborhood artists, youth groups, residents from diverse cultures and other community organizations;
• To raise the remaining dollars needed for upgrades to these two facilities.

Why now and how? 
RVCC and the Columbia City Gallery provide unique services that no other venues offer in Southeast Seattle – accessible cultural space for local youth and artists to perform and make art and for diverse residents to enjoy and participate in the arts. RVCC provides our community with a permanent performing arts facility for youth theater productions, community-inspired arts programs and now the popular productions of BROWNBOX Theatre. The Columbia City Gallery brings over 7,500 people into the business district each year to shop and to enjoy exceptional exhibits by local artists.

Demand for facility use has quickly outpaced the current operational conditions of these historic buildings located in the nationally recognized Historic Landmark District of Columbia City. We feel it is important to maintain these facilities so that they continue to enhance the neighborhood and the youth and residents they serve.

We invite you to contribute to the Community Roots Initiative.  This Initiative will help SEED complete the following 2008 renovations, which will address maintenance needs of the RVCC and the Columbia City Gallery:

• Roof replacement, gutters and downspouts for RVCC;
• Window replacement, exterior painting and façade improvements for both buildings;
• New lobby floor, restroom improvements & ADA modifications for RVCC;
• Installation of a box office, technical control booth & stage repairs for RVCC;
• Façade awning for gallery and exterior reader board for RVCC;
• Mezzanine improvements and alley door enlargement for gallery, and
• Parking lot asphalt patching and striping at RVCC.

Community Roots Initiative Contribution Opportunities

Come see what all the excitement is all about! Schedule a tour today or contact Jerri Plumridge, SEEDArts Director, at (206) 760-4286 to get more information about these neighborhood facilities.