Arts Ecosystem Research Project

The Arts Ecosystem Research Project (AERP) is an initiative of Seattle University’s Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership Program, Lemieux Library, and the larger community. It is dedicated to researching, documenting, and sharing information on the Seattle region’s dynamic arts and culture sector. The focus is the arts organizations, businesses, and major events that have shaped the region’s unique cultural character, with the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair serving as a threshold event in recent cultural history.

Data is collected and added annually to the Arts Ecosystem Timeline and to the AERP digital repository in ScholarWorks. AERP Case Studies listed in ScholarWorks were developed by graduate students to investigate aspects of a specific organization, business, or event from the AERP Timeline. Ecosystem Research found in ScholarWorks examines the connections and relationships that have shaped the cultural ecosystem and include MFA capstone research projects and articles by community experts including journalists, scholars, and writers. AERP began commissioning selected projects in the community in 2022. All current AERP research available via ScholarWorks is listed below. The Seattle region has pioneered numerous notable and innovative approaches to the creation, development and presentation of the arts since 1962.

• Collect information while many of the individuals involved are able contribute to the understanding, legacy, and lineage of this still young and vibrant arts ecosystem.
• Provide a foundation for a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the sector and set the stage for further research to inform the future of the arts sector here and elsewhere.
• Involve and inform future arts leaders though participation in applied research.

The MFA in Arts Leadership at Seattle University requires students to develop applied research skills. One of the ways in which these students practice their applied research skills is by actively contributing to the Arts Ecosystem Research Project.