We Want to Work with You
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. As Seattle’s hub for Black arts and culture, we partner with mission-aligned organizations and creators across film, visual arts, literature, multidisciplinary performance, and interactive cultural programming to bring the community together at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI). Whether you’re envisioning a live performance, a community workshop, an event series, or a groundbreaking new cultural experience, we’re here to explore what’s possible, together.
Here’s what you need to know, how we collaborate, and the steps to begin the process.
Before submitting a proposal, please familiarize yourself with the following:
LHPAI History
LANGSTON is the realization of a community-led vision. Dedicated community members conceived and shaped LHPAI to serve as a steadfast steward for this vital Black arts and cultural hub in Seattle. Our journey reflects recommendations gathered through a three-year stakeholder engagement process led by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture—still one of our closest partners and major sponsors today. Their support guides our ongoing commitment to strengthening and celebrating our community through the transformative power of Black arts and culture. Learn more >
Accessibility and community care guide our decision-making throughout each collaboration.
Partnership Pathways
Full-Building Collaboration
Larger, developed programming deeply aligned with our mission, vision, and values. Entire building activation or major use of the Langston Hughes Theatre and/or Grand Hall.
Community Space Reservations
Booked through Space in the Place. Ideal for partial building activations or programs in the development phase.
Venue Rentals
Booked through Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Ideal for large events and Langston Hughes Theatre bookings.
Planning starts early. Most successful collaborations begin 9–12 months before the proposed program date.
Programming is selective. We review a high volume of proposals throughout the year and select collaborations based on mission alignment, capacity, and feasibility.
LANGSTON’s mission is to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture. We prioritize collaborations that strengthen, celebrate, and advance Black and indigenous communities.
LANGSTON partners with individuals, collectives, and organizations to support a wide range of programming, including:
Inviting LANGSTON to table or present at your event or venue
Sponsoring a LANGSTON legacy event
Teaching a private workshop or cohort session
Teaching a public workshop or class series
Hosting an event series at LHPAI
Curating a collaborative event with LANGSTON
Ready to submit your proposal?
LANGSTON is headquartered inside the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) in Seattle’s Central District—an anchor of Black culture, creativity, and community gathering. Learn more about getting to LANGSTON.
The Langston Hughes Theatre
Ideal for: Performances, screenings, lectures, large gatherings
Capacity: 265
Features: Stage, lighting grid, sound system, projection capability, tiered seating
The Grand Hall
Ideal for: Receptions, installations, community celebrations, group movement classes
Capacity: Grand Hall (160 seated w/tables, 200 seated w/o tables, 250 without chairs)
Features: Open layout, natural light, hardwood floors, A/V monitor, microphones, adaptable setup, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, full commercial kitchen (no grease or deep frying)
The Conference Room (2R)
Ideal for: Meetings, small rehearsals, small workshops
Capacity: 12 seated with tables; 20 without tables
Features: Table seating, A/V monitor, adaptable setup
The West Room
Ideal for: Classes, intimate gatherings, group work
Capacity: 35 seated with tables; 40 without tables
Features: Flexible multi-purpose space, natural light, accessible restroom with diaper changing station, handwashing station
Audio Visual
Collaborators may have access to a range of audio/visual tools to support their program. Amenities may include:
- 2 large mobile display screens (86” inches)
- Theater projector + screen
- House sound system
- Wireless and wired microphones
- Stage lighting
- Podium + lectern mic
- A/V support staff (subject to availability and additional cost)
- 16 large round tables (seats 8)
- 10 six-foot rectangular tables (seats 4-6)
- Approximately 150 chairs
- A podium
- Approximately 40 feet of Pipe & Drape
Specific availability varies by room and program needs; final details are confirmed during production meetings.
Accessibility
LANGSTON is committed to providing accessible, welcoming arts experiences for all community members. Accessibility features at LHPAI include:
- ADA-accessible building entry (Street level, main entrance)
- Accessible bathrooms – 1st floor
- Gender Neutral bathrooms – back of the theatre, green room, and 2nd floor via elevator
- Wheelchair Seating Options in the Theater
- Elevator access to all public floors
- 10 Assistive listening devices (available upon request)
- Reserved parking for guests with disabilities.
For questions or specific access needs, email info@langstonseattle.org.
Partner Criteria
We collaborate with partners who demonstrate a proven—or thoughtfully planned—commitment to advancing communities through Black arts and culture. We prioritize collaborations that deepen cultural vitality, expand creative opportunity, and honor the legacy of Black arts in Seattle, while serving Black and Indigenous peoples.
Eligible partners may focus on:
Performing, visual, multimedia, and literary arts
Health and wellness
Community organizing rooted in Black cultural expression
Economic advancement
Youth development and cultural education
Civic engagement and social impact
Fees
- Staff Fees for Day(s) of Event and any preparatory or post-event space use. Covered by Community Partner. $27/hour per staff personnel
- Security for Day(s) of Event: Covered by Community Partner. Secure security personnel from LANGSTON’s recommended and community-trusted security partner, Abandant Guard, for $50/hour per security personnel with a minimum of two (2) security personnel required, or source security elsewhere and create and provide your own security action plan. One of these three options is required.
- A non-refundable processing fee of $100 to cover administrative, processing, and transaction-related costs.
- Ticket Sales: LANGSTON will retain 15% of all ticket sales for the event. If it is a free event, no ticket split is required.
- Deposit: $200, refundable upon compliance. Failure to comply will result in no refund.
- Note that LANGSTON covers the Room Rental Fee based on standard City of Seattle space and rental rates.
9–12 months before the program
Submit the Collaboration Form to initiate the process.
8–9 months before the program
Your proposal is reviewed and will be either:
- Moved forward to a Collaboration Sync with a LANGSTON Programs team member
- Deferred for future consideration
- Declined and referred to another venue or partner in our network
7–8 months before the program
We hold 1–3 Production Meetings to collaboratively shape the program design, logistics, and scope.
4–6 months before the program
All marketing materials must be developed, refined, and approved by LANGSTON and all participating collaborators.
Film Screenings
If you’re looking to screen films, we encourage you to submit through our annual Seattle Black Film Festival. We occasionally do take films on a case-by-case basis. Please make sure you have a licensing agreement to show the film to a public audience. Otherwise, due to legal reasons, we cannot move forward with the event.
Important Notes
- Due to the volume of requests and limited facility availability, proposals submitted fewer than 9 months ahead may still be reviewed, but are less likely to be approved.
- When our calendar is full, we intentionally pause new bookings and collaborations to support artists, partners, and programs already in motion.
- While we are not able to accommodate every request, we remain committed to transparency, care, and connecting community members to the right pathways for activation, whether through collaboration, Space in the Place, or partner venues.
- This boundary allows us to steward the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute with intention, care, and long-term vision to sustain our staff, honor our partners, and build the future of this Black cultural home.
- LANGSTON hosts annual calls for new partner programs—subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
- Alternative booking paths:
- For programs requiring minimal production support: Space in the Place community access reservations
- For programs requiring full production support, our partners at the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture
Ready to Collaborate?
Start by submitting your proposal through our Collaboration Form. We look forward to learning about your vision and exploring how we can bring it to life.