🗓️ Friday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
🕓 Friday: 1-4 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
📍 Washington 1000: 1000 Olive Way, Seattle
💰 Free (suggested $10 donation per attendee)
This October is about to be aces (or, ACES). BIPOC artists, creators and community members are coming together for the Artists of Color Expo & Symposium, a free, three-day celebration of creativity — and all are welcome to attend.
This BIPOC-led expo and symposium is produced by Shunpike, the Seattle-based nonprofit that empowers artists and arts groups to thrive fiscally and professionally. Held annually, ACES is a space for artists to be bold, experiment across disciplines and connect through shared creative practice.
“I’ve been with ACES since 2019, and witnessing the evolution of this event has been truly spectacular.” Says ACES Program Manager Gabriel-Bello Díaz. “ACES continues to be shaped by our community partners who bring fresh, vibrant experiences to the event each year.”
Highlights of the 2026 expo include:
🖌️ The Cypher: A live art-making experience where artists respond to a shared prompt across multiple rounds, creating a cross-media dialogue in real time.
🖌️ A showcase of contemporary visual artwork by BIPOC artists.
🖌️ A diverse series of artist-led, hands-on workshops, panels and artist conversations exploring culture, identity, healing, creative practice, community, sustainability and the tools artists need to build meaningful and sustainable careers.
🖌️ A market featuring independent artists and makers selling original artwork, handmade goods and merchandise.
🖌️ Community organization tables highlighting nonprofit, advocacy, mutual aid and educational initiatives.
🖌️ Short film screenings and accompanying talks by Scope Screenings.
🖌️ Live podcast conversations with artists, hosted by Milli Agency.
Join the fun at Washington 1000 and kickstart your own creativity this fall.
For 25 years, Shunpike has empowered artists and arts organizations across Washington through fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit expertise and professional support.
