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, sliding scale events and educational opportunities, a free and low-cost 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.
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
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• KIKO KUROSAWA-GRASA •
they / them
DIRECTOR & FOUNDERKiko’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. -
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.
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 -
AVA
she / her
Oil Painting, Charcoal
contactAva 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 pet birds.
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HOLLY
she / her
Watercolor, Acrylic, Sculpture
contactHolly 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.
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MAX
they/them
Figure Drawing, Filmmaking, TheoryMax has taught both youth and adults in continued education settings since 2016. They are passionate about harm reduction, worker’s rights, and food.
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LIN
they / them
Source!, Tattooing
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MEGAN
she / her
Tarot
contact -