Shift Gallery Membership Application
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Shift Gallery is looking for a limited number of new members for 2027. We are seeking innovative, dynamic, active, Pacific Northwest artists and curators who can contribute to maintaining Shift as a vibrant and relevant Seattle art space.
TIMELINE
- Applications due: August 25, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: fall 2026
- First exhibition: be prepared to show as early as January 2027
LOCATION
Shift is located in Seattle’s art district in Pioneer Square in the Tashiro-Kaplan arts complex at 312 S. Washington St.
PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Shift was established as an artist-run space with the primary goal of supporting practicing artists in the Pacific Northwest. At Shift, artists can make decisions about how their work is shown and promoted. Shift has created an atmosphere that is welcoming to the public to see the art and meet the artists who create it.
Shift Gallery does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or military status, or in any other way, in any of its activities or operations.
The artist members of Shift Gallery strive to cultivate a roster that reflects the diversity of the community we live and work in. We encourage applications from candidates of color and other underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
To read our recent statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and our acknowledgment of operating on Indigenous ancestral land, please visit our website at https://shiftgallery.org/about-2/
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Shift membership provides the opportunity to show your own work and/or curate an exhibition during a one-month period each year. As a Half-share Member you would split the exhibition space with another Half-share Member.
You have the freedom to stage an installation, show challenging work, stage a performance, or create other collaborative events. You may also participate in group exhibition opportunities and sales events that arise, for example, pop-up shows and the Seattle Art Fair.
Membership provides an opportunity to be involved in a community of artists who are dedicated to supporting each other and bringing new and engaging art to the community.
Members are expected to attend monthly membership meetings (currently held virtually), and be available physically in person at different times during the year to help support the operations of the gallery.
Art sales are currently transacted directly by the artist (no commissions are collected by Shift). All members are responsible for their own taxes and accounting.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS / COSTS
New members agree to a one-year contract commitment. If you are not able to commit for a year, please do not apply. Half-share members pay approximately $125/month. Monthly payments cover the rent and other operating expenses equitably among all members. Shift has a simple model where there are no employees—all money goes into rent, organizational and material costs to run the gallery.
All members are responsible for paying dues for the entire calendar year even if they elect to drop their membership before the year is out. Each member is obligated to cover the gallery sitting on First Thursday and the Fridays and Saturdays for their own monthly show.
New members should be ready to exhibit work as early as Jan 2027, and to be prepared to submit information regarding the title and description of their show for marketing shortly after acceptances are made.
At Shift, all members take on defined responsibilities to operate the gallery within a democratic, non-hierarchical structure. There are many opportunities to work in small groups on other projects that may arise during the year. New members are encouraged to provide new ideas, energy, and a commitment to growing and developing the group with a cooperative spirit.
Artists with additional skills in the following areas are desired: social media and online communications, familiarity with online marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp), writing, graphic design, curatorial experience, web design and maintenance, good organizational skills, networking, and community outreach.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please submit the following information:
Applications are now closed.
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