what is asylum collective ?
Established in 2023, Asylum Collective was formed to directly address and spur artistic revitalization in Seattle.
Drawing on passion for community organizing, advocacy, art and the people that make it, our organization stands as a testament to creativity, community, and inclusivity.
Its physical manifestation exists to provide alternatives to the capitalist concept that in order to succeed and create connections, one must explicitly monetize experience, time, and community.
The founding board members recognized the need to provide resources and spaces for aspiring and established artists who lacked access to art supplies and venues. In Seattle, there did not exist a single truly free space for artists to work, gather, and create. With this in mind, Asylum Collective was formed with the belief that art and community should be accessible to all.
At Asylum Collective, we strive to foster an environment where artists of all backgrounds can thrive and flourish. Our mission is not only to host residencies, throw captivating shows that are open to anyone, regardless of ability to pay, or to legitimize the portfolios of performers and creators, but also to provide free and sliding scale educational and creative resources for people of all ages.
Through initiatives like local and international artist residencies, free workshops and classes, a free café, and open “create” hours with truly free access to materials, we aim to cultivate an extensive network of artistic exchange and collaboration.
Our culture is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. We celebrate diversity and hard work and encourage individuals to express themselves freely, kindly, respectfully, and with intention.
As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain dedicated to our vision of creating a vibrant and ever-more inclusive artistic community & gathering space.
STAFF
STAFF
KIKO KUROSAWA-GRASA
they / them
Director, Founder
Kiko’s responsibilities include program oversight and development, grant writing, event planning, graphic design, figuring out legalese and putting out metaphorical fires. They founded Asylum Collective in 2023.
Previously, they worked in brand development, design and fundraising for harm reduction organizations. They have a BA from Tisch and a BS from Evergreen.
Their thesis work is on the electrolyte involvement in the neuropathology of bipolar I patients who suffer from psychosis. They are passionate about social public health, transgender rights, and the preservation of Southeastern American Indian culture.
They enjoy sewing, baking, plants, house music, and community organizing.
Occasionally performs under the handle KKG.
updated staff statement
please read
updated staff statement please read
Hello from the Director!
As you may be aware, we are an organization that employs, serves, and empowers people from many backgrounds— specifically, we stand for and with the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in the United States currently.
Every current staff member is at risk of being (or already has been) targeted by racist, transphobic, homophobic, misogynistic, xenophobic, or otherwise bigoted individuals, organizations, and federal policies.
We are not only concerned about their privacy, but their physical safety.
When discussing how we wanted to approach the subject of a staff directory, our Assistant Director brought up the example of WAISN’s statement on the subject.
I implore you to read It. Stop reading this statement now, if need be. Not only is it leagues more eloquent than I could ever be— it’s insightful, reflecting a level of thoughtful, informed consideration that we should all aspire to as organizers and allies. I am inspired by their resilience and strength, and deeply appreciate providing such a thorough statement for others to reference.
Long story short— we’ve chosen to omit a full directory. I want to emphasize that this is in no way to withhold credit from the incredible group of individuals that make Asylum possible. If you have interacted with us in any capacity, you have experienced firsthand how talented, essential, kind, and hardworking every member is.
I really do believe that we have one of the most dynamic and selfless teams in Seattle working on this project. I cannot thank them enough for making Asylum what it is today.
The next time you drop by, make sure you show a little extra appreciation for the individuals who help you out— they’re doing it for free, anonymously, in pursuit of a healthier, safer, more enriched community.
Thank you,
Kiko Kurosawa-Grasa
teachers
teachers
DYLAN
they / them
Dance
Dylan has been teaching dance to a variety of ages for three years and professional dancer for the better half of a decade. They are currently in their DJ residency at Asylum. They love house music, nature, and celebrating queer history.
residents
residents
STICKS
she / they / it
Sticks an experienced guitar player who began her musical journey when she was 12 years old. Over the years she has picked up more than a few instruments, played in a variety of ensembles and bands, and experienced firsthand the healing power that playing music can possess. In her free time she enjoys reading, building physical art pieces, and of course playing music.
AVA
she/her
Oil Painting
Ava graduated with a Bachelors of Art in painting and drawing in 2024 from the University of Washington. Her focus is on figurative work and expressing her personal struggle. She enjoys painting in her studio, listening to electronic music and playing with her two pet birds.
HOLLY
she / her
Holly originally picked up watercolor to aid in coloring in inked illustrations. She liked its soft look and ease of blending, and started taking her palette to the park to paint florals trees: the rest is history. Her hobbies include experimenting with new mediums, quad roller skating and spoiling her dog.
DUKE
he / she / they
Wreathmaking
Duke is a floral artist and educator who found their love for floral work while employed at a local plant and flower shop. They have taught classes in wreath making, floral arranging, burn bundles, and even insect pinning. Duke’s approach to florals is deeply inspired by the natural world and the changing of the seasons by finding beauty in their surroundings. Outside of teaching, Duke is passionate about all things spooky and occult, loves to read, travel, garden, and volunteer.