Beyond the Stage:

Join the Abbey Arts Community as a Member

Seattle’s music scene often feels like a choice between crowded, 21+ bars or massive commercial arenas. For 20 years, Abbey Arts has been building a third option. Founded in 2005, our mission is simple:  help people live more vibrant and healthy lives by increasing access to the arts for all ages and all income levels.

We aren’t just Fremont Abbey or a collection of venues; we are a community-driven nonprofit with a passion for connection.

Whether you’ve attended a quiet listening concert at Ballard Homestead, a vibrant Moth StorySLAM at Fremont Abbey, or a powerful music & dance performance at Washington Hall, you’ve seen what happens when human connection takes center stage.

Throw in the famous CATHEDRALS Concert series at St Mark’s,  or small sound baths that help regulate your system… and we’re really talking about a healthy landscape of options.

To keep this work moving and help us maintain quality, we need more than just ticket buyers: we need members and volunteers.

A 20-Year Mission for All Ages and All Incomes

Since our start in 2005, Abbey Arts has been rooted in the idea that art shouldn’t be a luxury. We believe creative expression is a human right, regardless of age or bank account balance.

Living in a city that is rapidly changing, spaces that prioritize community over profit are becoming rare. We manage and curate events in historic buildings: former churches and community halls: preserving these spaces for public use. By choosing these venues, we provide an alternative to the traditional nightlife scene.

• All-Ages Environment: Almost all our shows are open to everyone. We believe young people should have access to high-quality live music in Seattle without needing to be 21.
• Income Accessibility: We offer sliding-scale tickets for nearly every event we produce.
• Community Connection: Our seating often includes floor cushions, benches, and intimate layouts that encourage people to actually look at each other, not just a screen.

Beyond the Show: ArtsConnect and Cascadia Voices Rising

When you support Abbey Arts as a donor or member, your money goes directly into programs that remove barriers to the arts. We don’t just put on shows; we build pathways for people to participate in them.

ArtsConnect

Our ArtsConnect program is the backbone of our inclusivity mission. Each year, we provide over 300 free tickets to low-in

come families, veterans, and other nonprofit partners. By removing the financial barrier, we ensure that our audiences reflect the true diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Support from our members allows us to keep these seats open for those who need them most.

Cascadia Voices Rising

The next generation of artists needs more than just a stage; they need mentorship and space. Cascadia Voices Rising is our initiative dedicated to young PNW artists. We provide collaborative workspaces, professional mentors, and performance opportunities. In a time when many young creators feel isolated, this program fosters a sense of belonging and helps them navigate the complexities of the creative industry.

Why Membership Matters

We are a small team doing big things. Currently, we welcome over 40,000 visitors a year across our various venues and partner spaces and events. As we look toward the future, our goal is to strengthen the foundation of our community so we can continue to offer all ages concerts in Seattle for another 20 years.

Membership is the most direct way to sustain this mission. Whether you contribute monthly or annually, your support ensures that:

1. Artists are paid fairly: We prioritize fair compensation for the touring and local musicians who grace our stages.
2. Historic spaces stay open: Maintaining old buildings is expensive, but it’s worth it to keep these “community living rooms” alive.
3. Support our caring staff: We need quality sound techs, house managers, and support staff to keep these events running well. The cost of living in Seattle is at an all time high and we need your help to keep people working and sustainable here.
4. Access remains universal: Your donations bridge the gap for those who cannot afford full-price tickets.

Note:  We cover most admin & building costs through rentals for community events, so if you know of someone wanting to host a wedding, party or corporate event – please send them our way!  www.fremontabbey.org/rent

In closing,  if you value the intimate, the authentic, and the inclusive, we invite you to move beyond the role of a spectator. Become a part of the Abbey Arts story.

Join Us Today

Support local arts and help us keep Seattle creative. Whether you are looking for a live music venue to enjoy a quiet set or looking for an event venue rental in Seattle that supports a good cause, your involvement makes a difference.

Join as a Member

Perks include reserved seating and more! 

or

Donate Today

We look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey soon.

Sincerely,

Nathan Marion (Creative Director) and the Abbey Arts Team