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Incredible arts, heritage & science experiences are waiting for you

Discover What’s Happening in February

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The winter chill may still be in the air, but the greater Seattle area’s cultural scene is just heating up. This February, we continue our “Discover What Moves You” pilot campaign—presented by Inspire Washington and Amazon—by shining a light on the world-class programming and unforgettable experiences waiting for you from Seattle to Bellevue and beyond.

Whether you are looking to escape the drizzle with a vibrant live performance or find inspiration in a hands-on workshop, our region’s arts and culture organizations offer the perfect way to create lasting memories. This month, we are highlighting six additional organizations to help you find your next favorite local spot (Want to check out our January highlights? Read our blog here.) Read on to discover who they are and the incredible events you can attend throughout February!

ARTE NOIR

Located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Central District, ARTE NOIR is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization dedicated to celebrating and sustaining the creativity of the African diaspora. What began in 2021 as an online publication has evolved into a powerhouse cultural hub at Midtown Square, providing a permanent home for Black art, artists, and culture. Under the leadership of founder Vivian Phillips and Executive Director Jazmyn Scott, the space serves as an “anchor institution,” working to combat cultural displacement and build a more equitable future for the Black creative community.

Visitors to ARTE NOIR’s physical location can explore a world-class fine art gallery and a museum-style gift shop that features everything from jewelry and beauty products to books and art prints. A core part of their mission is economic empowerment; through a unique nonprofit-business hybrid model, Black makers receive 100% of the net proceeds from their goods sold in the shop. Beyond retail and exhibitions, the organization is expanding to include the Barbara Earl Thomas Maker Space and the Source of Labor Recording Studio, providing essential training and resources for the next generation of Black innovators.

This February, be sure to catch Black Clay, an exhibit in partnership with Pottery Northwest spotlighting over 20 artists whose work shapes clay into narrative, memory, and resistance. The exhibit closes February 22.

Photo courtesy of ARTENOIR

ArtsFund

For over 50 years, ArtsFund has served as a vital backbone for the Pacific Northwest’s cultural landscape, working to strengthen the community by supporting the arts. Founded in 1969 with the goal of providing a stable source of funding for local arts organizations, ArtsFund has since evolved into a leading advocate for the sector. Their mission is centered on the belief that arts and culture are essential to a healthy, equitable, and thriving society. By providing flexible operating support, leadership training, and data-driven advocacy, ArtsFund ensures that hundreds of cultural nonprofits—ranging from large-scale museums to grassroots community groups—have the resources they need to remain sustainable and accessible.

The impact of ArtsFund extends far beyond financial grants; it serves as a powerful voice for the social and economic value of the arts. Through initiatives like the Social Impact of the Arts Study and the Cultural Resource Collective, the organization demonstrates how a vibrant creative sector improves education, bolsters the local economy, and fosters a sense of belonging. As the region continues to grow, ArtsFund remains dedicated to its vision of a community where the arts are integrated into every facet of life, ensuring that world-class programming and cultural experiences remain available to everyone from Seattle to Bellevue and beyond.

ArtsFund is not an event-based organization (though they do host a Celebration of the Arts in fall). Once a quarter they do offer “Meetings with Michael,” when ArtsFund’s President & CEO Michael Greer sets aside time for any community member to sign up to virtually connect with him. They also offer a Board Leadership Training, which focuses on equipping leaders with essential skills for supporting arts and cultural organizations through board leadership. Sessions start the week of March 16.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Located in downtown Bellevue, KidsQuest Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive nonprofit dedicated to the power of play. Since opening its doors in 2005, the museum has welcomed over three million visitors, providing a vibrant space where children ages 0-10 and their families can explore, discover, and learn together. With more than 25 innovative exhibits—ranging from an outdoor Big Backyard to a multi-story climber—KidsQuest emphasizes STEAM-based learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) through experiences designed to spark curiosity and creative problem-solving.

Beyond its physical exhibits, KidsQuest serves as a vital community resource, hosting nearly 300 unique programs each year, including early learning classes, summer camps, and intergenerational workshops. The museum is deeply committed to accessibility and inclusivity, offering free and reduced admissions through programs like Museums for All and hosting low-sensory afternoons for children with sensory sensitivities. By bridging the gap between education and play, KidsQuest fosters lifelong learning and creates a welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to stretch their imagination.

Special February events include:

  • 2/13: Middles at the Museum—This night is built just for middle schoolers. A drop-off & after-hours event with gal-entine’s vibes, fabulous activities, and serious main character energy, especially for girls interested in STEM.
  • 2/27: Art-Tastic—Join KidsQuest for an evening of art and discovery! Create paintings, ceramics, or maybe fabric work! Talk with local artists to learn about their process or create something with them! All ages are welcome to this whimsical event where special artistic moments are around every corner of the museum.

National Nordic Museum

Located in Seattle’s historic Ballard neighborhood, the National Nordic Museum is the only institution in the United States dedicated to showcasing the history, culture, and art of the entire Nordic region. Since its founding in 1979, the museum has served as a premier cultural gateway, celebrating the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as the indigenous Sámi people. In 2018, the museum moved into a stunning, LEED Gold-certified facility designed to evoke a fjord, creating a dramatic architectural backdrop for its collection of more than 80,000 artifacts.

The museum’s core exhibition, Nordic Journeys, takes visitors on a 12,000-year sweep of history—from Viking-era relics to world-renowned modern design. Beyond its galleries, the National Nordic Museum is a bustling community hub, offering a wide array of programs including language classes, craft workshops, and the popular “Mostly Nordic” chamber music series. Whether you’re stopping by the Freya café for a traditional Nordic treat or exploring contemporary art from across the Atlantic, the museum offers a unique space where ancient traditions and modern innovation meet.

The Nordic Museum has several February events for all ages. Check them out below. Two exhibits are ending in March: New Nordic: Cuisine, Aesthetics and Place, ending 3/8, and Eva Isaksen: Shapes for Fall, ending 3/22.

Children watching exhibit at museum.

Photo courtesy of National Nordic Museum

Northwest African American Museum

Located in Seattle’s historic Central District, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) serves as a premier cultural space dedicated to exploring the complex history, art, and heritage of people of African descent in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission is rooted in using Black heritage to cultivate healing, hope, and understanding for all people. By acting as an anti-racist, pro-equity gathering place, NAAM preserves the vital connections between the region and the African diaspora, ensuring that the stories of survival, community-building, and creative excellence are celebrated as an essential part of our shared American heritage. 

The museum’s home in the former Colman School building is a symbol of community resilience and activism. After the school closed in 1985, community members occupied the building for eight years—one of the longest acts of civil disobedience in U.S. history—to demand it be preserved as a cultural museum. Today, that vision is a reality, with the landmarked building housing 17,000 square feet of gallery space alongside affordable housing units. From its inaugural exhibition featuring the works of Jacob Lawrence to its modern-day role hosting the African American Cultural Ensemble choir, NAAM continues to be a vibrant “anchor institution” that honors the past while inspiring future generations. 

With February being Black History Month, NAAM is hosting a number of related events. They include: 

  • 2/8: The Oprah Effect: A Conversation with Black Women Media Trailblazers 
  • 2/15: Tassel Ear Candy Workshop with Ife Thomas 
  • 2/16: Get Lit: A Black History Month Candle Pouring Experience
  • 2/20: “Calling In:” An Intimate Evening with Loretta J. Ross 
  • 2/22: Black Art Takeover 

You can read about upcoming events further at: www.naamnw.org/black-history-month 

Black History Month events at Northwest African American Museum

Image Courtesy of NAAM

Seattle Symphony

Recognized as one of the most vital and innovative ensembles in America, the Seattle Symphony has been a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s cultural landscape since its founding in 1903. From its home at the acoustically stunning Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle, the Symphony is dedicated to its mission of unleashing the power of music to bring people together and lift the human spirit. Internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming and world-class recordings, the orchestra has earned five Grammy Awards and was even named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in symphonic music.

Beyond the traditional concert hall experience, the Seattle Symphony is deeply committed to community engagement and accessibility. Reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and broadcasts, the organization offers a wide array of series ranging from family-friendly “Tiny Tots” concerts to the experimental and immersive “Octave 9” series. By championing new works from contemporary composers and collaborating with local artists across genres, the Symphony ensures that classical music remains a living, breathing art form that resonates with everyone from lifelong aficionados to the next generation of music lovers.

The Symphony has a ton of events to choose from in February—there’s something for everyone!

From the historic halls of the Central District to the innovative play spaces of Bellevue, February offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with our region. Whether you are immersing yourself in the rich legacies of the African diaspora at NAAM and ARTE NOIR, exploring global heritage at the National Nordic Museum, or experiencing the sonic wonder of the Seattle Symphony, these six organizations remind us that art is a powerful force for connection and inspiration. Inspire WA and Amazon invite you to step out of the rain and into these vibrant spaces to discover what moves you this month. 

Family enjoying a show at theater balcony.

Photo courtesy of Seattle Symphony

Amazon’s partnership with Inspire Washington in the “Discover What Moves You” campaign reflects their commitment to strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s cultural ecosystem. By supporting institutions like ARTE NOIR, the Seattle Symphony, and the National Nordic Museum, Amazon helps ensure that world-class arts and culture remain accessible to all community members. This partnership amplifies the exceptional programming these organizations already offer, helping more people discover the cultural treasures in their own backyard. 

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