JACK STRAW CULTURAL CENTER

Founded in 1962, Jack Straw Cultural Center serves as the Northwest’s only non-profit multidisciplinary audio arts center. This project transformed Jack Straw’s public spaces and exterior to actively engage the community and express the vibrant activities within, as well as addressing critical accessibility needs. The highly transparent lobby engages passersby and provides expanded exhibit and performance opportunities adjacent to the existing Gallery space. Design features within the lobby include integration of KRAB radio cast glass artwork, and integration of storage cabinets with perforated doors which serve as exhibit walls. The exterior transformation included new graphics designed and implemented by ORA staff and a sound wave mural created in collaboration with Urban Artworks. ORA provided pro bono services to develop the design and assist Jack Straw in securing grants from King County 4Culture and the City of Seattle’s Arts and Cultural Affairs. Since completion of the primary renovation in 2013, ORA has continued to collaborate with Jack Straw on aesthetic and accessibility upgrades to secondary spaces and partner spaces on the upper floors of the building, with the most recent upgrades completed in Summer 2020.

Image Credits: Lara Swimmer, ORA