Expanding arts space in Seattle with Common Area Maintenance
Common Area Maintenance (CAM) isn’t just an arts space in Seattle—it’s a creative sanctuary. Founded by artists for artists, CAM provides a home for everything from printmaking and sculpture to performance art and a lot more. It's a place where creators can connect and build community with other artists and bring their ideas to life.
“We want to make sure that artists don’t feel priced out of this city,” says Timothy Firth, CAM’s Executive Director. “Seattle’s an amazing place, but it’s challenging for emerging creators to afford workspace here. That’s where CAM comes in.”
Creating Community
For Timothy and Program Director Amy Hirayama, the CAM space is all about the people who fill it. “CAM is very much about relationships,” Timothy says. “It’s a place where creative people can find their community.”
For Amy, a big part of community is being seen and valued for who you are, not just what you create. She explains. “Here, you don’t have to be the most established artist or the most polished person. You’re accepted for who you are, and that’s what makes this place so special.”
A solid testament to the strength of CAM’s community is its steady growth over the past ten years, fueled entirely by volunteers. “We’ve been operating with a small but incredibly dedicated volunteer staff,” Timothy says. “But one of our goals moving forward is to start bringing on some paid positions to help us elevate the work we’re doing and support artists at an even higher level.”
The Power of Being Free to Fail
Every day at CAM is different. One day you might see a writer fine-tuning their manuscript, the next, a sculptor working on a new piece in the fabrication studio. The space is alive with creativity, and every artist there is encouraged to push boundaries, try new things, and take risks.
“CAM is all about experimentation,” says Timothy. “It’s a place where you can try things that you might not get the chance to elsewhere. It’s a place where you’re free to fail and try again.”
With a print shop, a gallery, and performance spaces, CAM gives artists the resources they need to create, whether that’s making prints, hosting workshops, or putting on performances. Amy adds, “Every program we offer is designed to support artists, give them a safe space to make mistakes, and help them grow.”
Looking Ahead
CAM has big plans for the future. With support from Allen Family Philanthropies, the organization has built out an expansion that will allow them to serve even more artists. One of the exciting initiatives coming soon is a children-curated gallery show, which will give young artists the chance to exhibit their work in a professional space.
“We’re really excited about the children-curated gallery show,” Amy shares. “It’s an opportunity to give young artists the chance to have their work seen by a larger audience, and it’s something we’re really passionate about.”
Engaging with the arts can be a powerful pathway to expression for young people to develop as whole individuals and active community members.
CAM’s Lasting Impact
Seattle has a long history as an arts powerhouse, and creators of all kinds bring heart and soul to this beautiful city. So, it’s vital that we ensure that they can thrive here. Thanks in part to AFP’s support, CAM is poised to continue making a significant impact on Seattle’s creative landscape.
“We’re in a really exciting place,” Timothy says. “This grant has given us the foundation to keep growing and supporting artists in ways we never could before. We want to continue being a resource for Seattle’s creative community for years to come.”
By focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and community, CAM is proving that art is more than just a product—it’s an essential part of a healthy community. As the organization grows, so too will its ability to support the next generation of Seattle’s artists.
