Seattle
Washington
Jack Straw Productions
About Jack Straw Cultural Center
Jack Straw Cultural Center is the Northwest's only non-profit multidisciplinary audio arts center. A community-based resource since 1962, we provide a production facility that is unlike any other in the region for local artists who work creatively with sound. Jack Straw focuses on annual artist residencies through our Artist Support Program, our Writers Program, and our Gallery Residency Program; art and technology education for all ages; arts heritage partnerships; and radio production. Our full-service recording studio is also available for a range of arts projects.
Mission
Jack Straw Cultural Center exists to foster the communication of arts, ideas, and information to diverse audiences through audio media. We provide creation and production opportunities in audio media, including radio, theater, film, video, music, and literature.
Dedicated to the production and presentation of all forms of audio art, Jack Straw 1) produces high quality, innovative audio presentations; 2) commissions independent artists of all disciplines to create sound and audio productions; 3) provides arts and technology education programs for youth and adults; 4) collaborates with arts and heritage organizations to integrate sound and music into their programs; and 5) presents audio productions through events, exhibits, radio, film and the internet.
History
The Jack Straw Foundation was founded in 1962 by a group of educators, artists, and journalists with the goal of starting KRAB-FM, one of the first non-commercial radio stations in the country. The station's main purpose was to be a forum for the discussion and presentation of science, arts and public affairs programs. KRAB was formed at a time of progressing technology, when relatively few FM receivers existed and community radio was unheard of. The first day KRAB was on the air, its transmitter blew up and was rebuilt. Broadcasting from locales ranging from an old donut shop to an abandoned firehouse, KRAB struggled and thrived for twenty-two years. Its signature was unique and audacious programming. The Jack Straw Foundation also started KBOO in Portland, Oregon and KSER-FM in Lynnwood, Washington and assisted in the development of KDNA in Granger, Washington.
When KRAB's frequency was sold in 1984, the Foundation continued to produce and present innovative and neglected sonic arts. In 1989 Jack Straw moved into its current facility on Roosevelt Way.
The Jack Straw Foundation was named after a leader of the English Peasant Revolt of 1381. These insurgent peasants traveled throughout southern England, gathering followers, opening prisons, killing lawyers and telling stories
Upcoming Events at Jack Straw Productions
Shin Yu Pai: Ten Thousand Things: Artifacts of Asian American Life
Recent News
Jack Straw Cultural Center News - March 14, 2024
Artist Support Program Kaley Lane Eaton: Lookout Friday, March 15, 8pm Chapel Performance Space at the Good Shepherd Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. fourth floor $5-$20 donation at the door Jack Straw artist Kaley Lane Eaton celebrates the…
Read More »Tokio Florist Project, Opens in the Jack Straw New Media Gallery from March 22 - May 17, 2024
Tokio Florist Project A video and sound installation by Susie Kozawa, Brigid Kelly, and Alex MacInnis, with technical design by Laura Luna Castillo In this immersive sound and four-wall video projection, sound artist Susie Kozawa explores…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - February 8, 2024
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Jeff Rice | Pando Suite "In a darkened room in the University District, nature feels nearby and teemingly alive." -Margo Vansynghel, Seattle Times January 19-March 8, 2024 Call 206-634-0919 or email…
Read More »Jack Straw New Media Gallery Exhibit - Jeff Rice: Pando Suite
Pando Suite is a series of audio works exploring the hidden and interconnected sounds of the Pando aspen grove in south-central Utah. Known as the “trembling giant,” Pando is one of the world’s largest organisms, consisting of a…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - January 4, 2024
Announcing the 2024 Jack Straw Writers This year's Writers Program Curator, Nisi Shawl, has selected the 2024 Jack Straw Writers! We're thrilled to welcome our new writing fellows: Amontaine Aurore, E.J. Batiste, Catherine DeNardo, Josh Griffin,…
Read More »Keep Our Youth And Artist Programs Strong In 2024
Help our programs for artists of all ages thrive! Thank you for a terrific 2023! We send our deepest thanks to the artists, students, teachers, community members, and everyone else who was part of another year of keeping art, culture, and heritage…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - December 14, 2023
Writers Program Jack Straw Writers at SoulFood Poetry Thursday, December 21, 6pm SoulFood Coffeehouse, 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond For our final Jack Straw Writers event of 2023, Jack Straw Writers Jim Cantú, Brian Dang, David K.…
Read More »Keep Our Youth and Artist Programs Strong in 2024!
Help our programs for artists of all ages thrive! Thank you for a terrific 2023! We send our deepest thanks to the artists, students, teachers, community members, and everyone else who was part of another year of keeping art, culture, and…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - November 24, 2023
Keeping Art, Culture, and Heritage Vital through Sound Jack Straw Residency Applications Due Monday! The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - November 13, 2023
Jack Straw Artist Residencies The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere. Application deadline: Artist…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - November 1, 2023
Jack Straw Artist Residencies Writers Program applications due TODAY! The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a…
Read More »Larger Than Life Reception Friday Applications Due Soon For Our 2024 Programs
Jack Straw Artist Residencies Writers Program apps due next Wednesday! The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - October 18, 2023
Jack Straw Artist Residencies Applications are due soon! The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere.…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - October 3, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Wei Yang and Murphy Janssen | now you are there when this happened October 6-December 8, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - September 6, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Erin Slomski-Pritz and Jenny Lesser Holman | Dream Motif August 4-September 29, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE September…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - August 18, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Erin Slomski-Pritz and Jenny Lesser Holman | Dream Motif August 4-September 29, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Friday,…
Read More »Apply Now For The 2024 Jack Straw Artist Residencies
Apply Now! The Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in our recording studios and…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - August 3, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Erin Slomski-Pritz and Jenny Lesser Holman | Dream Mot August 4-September 29, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Friday,…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - July 21, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Zack Bent | The Charity Stripe Closing tomorrow! Open hours with the artist Saturday, July 22nd, 10am-12p M-F: Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - July 17, 2023
Zack Bent | The Charity Stripe Final Week! Open hours with the artist this Saturday, July 22nd, 10am-12p M-F: Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE In The Charity…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News June 23, 2023
Support Our Programs for Artists of All Ages It's been a busy and rewarding spring at Jack Straw, between our arts programs for youth and our residencies helping professional musicians, artists, and writers to create and present their work.…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - June 16, 2023
Indigenous Americana: In Words, Song, and Multimedia TONIGHT! Friday, June 16, 7pm In person and streaming live via YouTube and Facebook Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Indigenous artists in poetry, music, and intermedia share…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - June 8, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Zack Bent | The Charity Stripe June 5-July 21, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Friday, June 9, 7pm: Opening Reception Friday,…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - June 1, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Zack Bent | The Charity Stripe June 5-July 21, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Friday, June 9, 7pm: Opening Reception…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - May 25, 2023
See you at Folklife this weekend! Jack Straw Writers at Folklife Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, Center Theatre Our 2023 Jack Straw Writing Fellows will read and talk about their work with Curator Priscilla Long in a series of events at…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - May 18, 2023
The Jack Straw May Reading Series Three readings featuring the 2023 Jack Straw Writing Fellows, hosted by 2023 Writers Program Curator Priscilla Long Final Reading: Friday, May 19 at 7pm With Jim Cantú, Julene Tripp Weaver, Nancy…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center Happenings for May 2023
The Jack Straw May Reading Series Three readings featuring the 2023 Jack Straw Writing Fellows, hosted by 2023 Writers Program Curator Priscilla Long May 5, 12, and 19 at 7pm Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - April 20, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Whitney Lynn and Till the Teeth | TIME KILLS March 31-May 19, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Friday, April 21, 7pm:…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - The 2023 Jack Straw May Reading Series
Three readings featuring the 2023 Jack Straw Writing Fellows, hosted by 2023 Writers Program Curator Priscilla Long Friday, May 5, 7pm: Garfield Hillson, Geri Gale, David K. Rea, and Hana Choi Friday, May 12, 7pm: Stephen Reed Griggs, Sumu…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - March 7, 2023
Jack Straw Writers and Artists at AWP! The annual AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference is coming to Seattle this week, and you will have many opportunities to see and hear Jack Straw Writers reading and talking about their…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - January 25, 2023
Jack Straw New Media Gallery Sasha Petrenko | FOREST TIME WATE January 27-March 10, 2023 Call 206-634-0919 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit Jack Straw Cultural Center, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE Opening Reception: Friday, January 27,…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - January 12, 2023
Thank you for your support! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to help us keep art, culture, and heritage vital through sound in 2023. We could not do this without you. If you haven't given yet, it's not too late! Give now to help…
Read More »Jack Straw Cultural Center News - January 2023
Jack Straw Writers Program This year's Writers Program Curator, 2009 Jack Straw Writer Priscilla Long, has selected the 2023 Jack Straw Writers! We're thrilled to welcome our new writing fellows: James Cantu, Hana Choi, Brian Dang, Geri Gale,…
Read More »