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What We Do
With a focus on racial equity, we fund, support, and advocate for arts and culture through creative expression and education. We’re committed to continuing our model of being an accessible, low barrier community organization that amplifies emerging artists from traditionally overlooked backgrounds.
We carry out our mission by developing projects and initiatives, at the intersection of art and community, with a five pillar approach.
Build Coalitions
At the core of our work is our dedication to building authentic and lasting coalitions among Black, Indigenous and People of Color, in our region and beyond.
Support Growth
Using multi-layered strategies, we create economic opportunities for artists and small business owners to support their cultural output and help them sustain their creative practices.
Nurture Youth
We’ve developed youth arts programming, led by Black and Brown teaching artists, to encourage confidence and support academic achievement for our communities’ youth.
Promote Pride
In the midst of gentrification and corporate commodification of cultural output, we’re focused on intentionally promoting cultural pride while breaking down cultural barriers, through community and art.
Create Space
With many of our programs, we develop physical and digital spaces for community building and engagement. Our long-term goal is to acquire a permanent, dedicated space for our programming.
Who We Are
The Feels is the brainchild of Tori Kirihara, a Seattle-born visual artist and curator around 2017. The project began as an art showcase, born out of Tori’s desire to bring the community together in an environment that encouraged and celebrated creative expression.
When Seattle-born entrepreneur and community advocate Zach Self joined the effort to develop the organizational capacity, the project evolved from The Feels to The Feels Foundation. Since then, a standalone showcase has grown into an experiential project featuring a large-scale annual showcase, youth arts initiatives, online and in-person vendor markets, artist grant programs, and more.
Our Feels Squad
We are so grateful for our board and staff’s unwavering and dedicated support.
Tori Kirihara
Founder, VP & Secretary
Zachary Self
Founder, President
Gennette Cordova
Advancement Manager
Cristina Martinez
Honorary Board Member
Jacque Churchville
Program Manager
Josh Donion
Treasurer