911 is a non-profit arts center that supports the creative use of media for communications and artmaking. They offer low cost production equipment, workshops and a screening room for indie media. 911 Media Arts Center was incorporated in 1984 and is considered Washington State's premier Media Arts Center. Their mission is to support the expressive use of innovative media tools by providing the access, training and environment needed to create/exhibit works of enduring merit and artistic excellence. 911 believes everyone can and should have access to the tools of communication.

Two years ago a four-person board, out of touch with the membership, fired popular and effective 911 Media Arts Director (Fidelma McGinn) which triggered a membership revolt. During this contretemps some funders withheld grants and in a few cases canceled them. The organization then righted itself with a board full of former protesters and a new director. After this imbroglio, 911 lost its lease and faced skyrocketing rents on its old flophouse of a facility.

It moved to an old industrial building in the South Lake Union neighborhood, which required an estimated $150,000 build out which ballooned to $250,000 in the end. The new space costs less than two-thirds of the rent would have been for the old space after the lease lapsed. Board president Heather Dew Oaksen believes that the move was essential in tandem with the need to raise money and sell services.

The organization's budget has gone from $700,000 in 2000-2001 to $500,000 in 2004. It looks to be a lean $350,000 this year Yet 911 is a great community-based arts center created by the people for the people.

At 911, a camera is the medium, mode and mechanism which dynamically powers the expression of ideas. The organization offers media training to anybody who walks in the door. There are low-cost equipment rentals, workshops in all aspects of media production, screenings of independent films and videos, youth programs in media literacy and production (such as Reel Girls and Native Lens for Indian youth), exhibition space for art and a small but copacetic theater for screenings.

The most recent event at 911 was one of their member's socials. Click here to see photos of the event. The theater served as a performance space where members of the Montail Creative Music Concern played avant-garde jazz with video projection by 911 volunteer Joe Gray.
Click here to see video clip one
Click here to see video clip two
911 reaches out globally as a member of: AIVF (Association for Independent Video and Film), NAAO (National Association of Artists' Organizations , NAMAC (National Alliance of Media Arts & Culture)

911 MEDIA ART CENTER¹S UPCOMING GALA EVENING will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2005 from 6-10 pm at Naval Reserve Center at South Lake Union Park . Click here for info on the event.The public is invited to celebrate 911's 21st birthday and the establishment of the Anne Focke Arts Leadership Award named in honor of her career which parallels the history of the arts in our community and nationally over the years-- Through her career, she has founded, or collaborated to start new organizations and programs, including: and/or, an alternative arts space; Artech a fine art art-service company; CoCA, the Center on Contemporary Art, and Artist Trust, a nonprofit organization that supports Washington state artists. Since 1999, she has been the executive director of Grantmakers in the Arts, a national membership organization for arts philanthropists.

With a dynamic board, a committed membership and an unparalleled mission, 911 Media Arts will be around for future generations to empower themselves with the tools of communication. Sporting a transparent operating structure and a responsive board, this little non-profit shames all the other non-profit players in Seattle by using the power of honesty over hype, and service over selfishness. This organization can and will be a major player for years to come.