Open Space for Arts & Community

What Open Space for Arts & Community does

Open Space for Arts & Community is a 501c3 nonprofit community arts center (EIN: 38-4216067) operating on Vashon Island, Washington. Founded in 2008 by Janet McAlpin and David Godsey after they acquired the former Stewart Brothers coffee roasting property in 2006, the organization converted a 23,000-square-foot interior facility and adjacent three-acre outdoor meadow into a multi-use cultural venue. Core infrastructure includes the Grand Hall (300+ capacity mainstage) and the Bruce Black Box Theatre (100+ capacity), supplemented by five multipurpose rooms, a lobby and atrium, and outdoor meadow space surrounded by Douglas firs. The venue is the only large-format performance and event facility on Vashon Island.

The organization operates a portfolio of sub-brands and programs: UMO School of Physical Arts (founded 2009, instructing in aerial, parkour, acro gymnastics, martial arts, and skateboarding), UMO Ensemble (resident physical theater company), ORBIT Youth Space (free after-school drop-in programming for ages 11-19, expanded to 5-days-a-week in 2025), the !Attention! Artists at Work public art program (launched 2020 as COVID-19 relief for artists), and the Vashon Poet Laureate Program. Campus partners include the Vashon Tool Library (500+ members, 1,800+ tools lent) and the Vashon Musical Instrument Library (operating since 2015). Ghost Boat Theater, a co-founded theater company, presents original productions on-site.

Revenue is generated across four streams: ticket sales for concerts and theater performances (typically $10-$75 per ticket across general admission, VIP, and reduced-price tiers with free youth admission), venue space rentals for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, Quinceañeras, and festivals, class registrations for UMO School through the Studio Pro platform, and tax-deductible donations accepted via LGL Forms, stock transfers, planned giving, IRA rollovers, and DAF contributions. The organization has helped raise over $3,000,000 for local nonprofits under its roof. Marketing relies on community word-of-mouth, organic social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), email newsletters, and partnerships with local schools and youth-serving organizations. The technology stack is entirely third-party SaaS (Wix, Studio Pro, Planning Pod, BambooHR, LGL Forms); no proprietary platforms, APIs, or AI capabilities are referenced.

Name

Open Space for Arts & Community

Legal name

Open Space for Arts & Community

Website

https://openspacevashon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Open Space for Arts & Community is a 501c3 nonprofit arts center on Vashon Island, WA, operating a 23,000 SF venue with Grand Hall and Black Box Theatre. It hosts performances, private events, UMO School classes, ORBIT Youth Space programming, and community fundraisers for local residents, youth, students, and artists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue & Community Center

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Family Entertainment Centers & Indoor Amusement (Arcades, Trampoline Parks, Indoor Play) (THAAAAAD)

Keywords

• Community arts center
• Performing arts venue
• Arts education programs
• Event space rental
• Youth community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Vashon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from ticket sales for concerts, theater performances, and public events. Events include a range of ticket types including general admission, VIP tables, and patron reserved seating.
2. Venue Space Rentals: Private event rentals including weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, Quinceañeras, lifecycle events, and outdoor festivals. The venue offers flexible indoor spaces (Grand Hall accommodating 300+ guests, Bruce Black Box Theatre for 100+) and outdoor meadow areas.
3. Class Registrations: UMO School offers physical arts classes in aerial, parkour, acro gymnastics, martial arts, and skateboarding for youth and adults. Registration handled through Studio Pro platform with session-based enrollment.
4. Donations and Fundraising: As a 501c3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 38-4216067), Open Space relies on community donations and has helped raise over $3,000,000 for local nonprofits under its roof. Accepts stock transfers, planned giving, IRA rollovers, and DAF contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Open Space for Arts & Community operates a multi-use performing arts venue and community center on Vashon Island, WA, offering ticketed concerts and theater productions, physical arts education classes (aerial, parkour, martial arts, acro gymnastics, skateboarding), private event venue rentals, and free youth programming. The 23,000 SF facility includes the Grand Hall (300+ capacity), Bruce Black Box Theatre (100+ capacity), and a 3-acre outdoor meadow, serving as the island's primary gathering space for arts, culture, and community events.

Product overview

Open Space for Arts & Community is a nonprofit community arts center on Vashon Island offering a diverse portfolio of venues and programs. The core offering includes the Grand Hall (300+ capacity) and Bruce Black Box Theatre (100+ capacity) for performances and events, paired with educational programming through the UMO School of Physical Arts (aerial, acro, parkour, martial arts, skateboarding) and UMO Summer Camps. The organization supports youth through ORBIT Youth Space (free after-school drop-in center), and community artists through the !Attention! Artists at Work public art program. Additional offerings include the Vashon Poet Laureate Program, Ghost Boat Theater, and venue rentals for private events. Campus partners include the Vashon Tool Library and Vashon Musical Instrument Library, providing shared community resources. The venue spans 23,000 SF interior space plus 3 acres of outdoor meadow.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UMO School of Physical Arts: Physical arts school instructing students in aerial, acro gymnastics, parkour, martial arts, skateboarding, and physical theater. Founded in 2009 by UMO Ensemble members.
• ORBIT Youth Space
• !Attention! Artists at Work (AAW)

Products and services

• Grand Hall Venue Rental Main performance venue accommodating 300+ guests for seated concerts, fundraisers, and private gatherings. Part of a 6,250 SF flexible indoor space with excellent sound quality. Available for private event rentals including weddings, fundraisers, and corporate events.
• Bruce Black Box Theatre Rental 1,600 SF intimate theatre accommodating 100+ guests for music, theatre, and smaller private events. Designed for excellent sound quality and comfort. Available for private event rentals.
• Private Events & Venue Rental Rental of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, Quinceañeras, lifecycle events, festivals, and art installations, including a 3-acre meadow for outdoor gatherings.
• UMO School of Physical Arts Physical arts school instructing hundreds of students (children and adults) in aerial, acro gymnastics, parkour, skateboarding, martial arts, and physical theater. Hosts bi-annual showcases with over 100 students performing. Session-based enrollment via Studio Pro.
• UMO Summer Camps Summer camp program offering sessions in aerial silks, lyra, trapeze, acro gymnastics, parkour, jiu jitsu, and dragon circus for various age groups and skill levels.
• ORBIT Youth Space Vashon's only youth center offering 100% free after-school drop-in programming for middle-high schoolers. Provides free access to arts, music, community, snacks, and self-expression, open 5 days a week from 3-6pm for youth ages 11-19.
• UMO Ensemble Productions A physical theatre ensemble based on Vashon Island, Washington, performing original productions at the Open Space venue.
• Donations and Fundraising Tax-deductible donations accepted online via LGL Forms, by mail, and in person. The organization accepts stock transfers, planned giving, IRA rollovers, and DAF contributions. As a 501c3 nonprofit (EIN: 38-4216067), Open Space has helped raise over $3,000,000 for local nonprofits under its roof.
• Ticketed Public Events and Performances Ticketed concerts, theater performances, and community events including a range of ticket types (general admission, VIP tables, patron reserved seating, youth pricing, and 4Culture-supported reduced prices). Events include signature festivals like Open Air and touring productions.
• !Attention! Artists at Work (AAW) Program A jobs program that hires artists financially impacted by COVID-19 to create free public art projects including murals, distance dance performances, literary projects, and fairy house installations.
• Vashon Poet Laureate Program A program that honors a local poet as a creative ambassador for Vashon, using language to illuminate, connect, and inspire community through poetry readings, performances, and original works.

Quantifiable outcome

• $3,000,000+ raised for local nonprofits under the venue's roof
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Local Nonprofit Organizations (COVID-19 Response)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership through !Attention! Artists at Work (AAW) program created in 2020 to hire artists financially impacted by COVID-19. Included The Mural Project (45 panels by 21 artists), Distance Dance, Literary Project (31 artists), Tiny Fairy House Project, and Youth Mural Project.
• Vashon Tool LibrarycoreOthersLocated in the O2 building at Open Space for Arts & Community. A volunteer-led organization lending over 1,800 tools to the community 3x per week, 52 weeks per year. Now in its eleventh year with over 500 members. A program of Vashon Makerspace, a nonprofit 501c3.
• Vashon Musical Instrument LibrarycoreOthersFree instrument lending library since 2015, operated by Vashon Events. Pickup/dropoff at Open Space location (18870 103rd Ave SW). Residents can borrow instruments for up to three months. Supports ORBIT Music Club and general community access to musical instruments.
• Ghost Boat TheatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheater company whose inaugural show 'One Thing After Another' (adaptation of The Odyssey) premiered at Open Space. Co-founded by Jenny Dice and Steven Sterne. Represents homegrown theatrical programming at the venue.
• UMO EnsemblecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhysical theatre ensemble based on Vashon Island, WA. Founded by Open Space co-founders. UMO School was created by Ensemble members in 2009 to cultivate next generation of physical performers.
• Vashon Youth and Family ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORBIT Youth Space partners with this organization as part of its network of island youth-serving organizations. Collaboration on community events including Vashon Pride Month and TeenJam.
• Vashon LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORBIT Youth Space partner for youth programming and resources. Collaborates on community events and provides additional support to youth on Vashon Island.
• Vashon DOVE ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORBIT Youth Space partner organization serving youth on Vashon Island. Collaborates on community events and coordinates youth programming.
• Vashon Grappling ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with UMO School to offer Japanese Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Instructors Sean Lang and Bobby Dodd lead sessions, with classes taught at Open Space facility.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• 92nd Street Y (92Y): Large nonprofit cultural and community center in New York City combining performing arts, educational classes, youth programs, and community engagement. Broader in scope and scale but architecturally similar as a multi-use community arts hub.
• Mass MoCA: Large-scale contemporary arts institution in a converted industrial complex in North Adams, MA. Comparable in its warehouse-to-arts-venue conversion origin, multi-program operating model, and reliance on a single rural campus.

Direct peers

• Bainbridge Performing Arts: Community performing arts center on Bainbridge Island, WA, in the same Puget Sound market. Comparable in scale and nonprofit operating model, offering theater productions, classes, and rentals to a similar affluent island demographic.
• Town Hall Seattle: Historic nonprofit civic and arts venue in Seattle presenting concerts, lectures, and community events. Closely comparable operating model as a multi-use cultural hub with educational and rental programming, though at a larger urban scale.
• National Sawdust: Nonprofit music venue and artist incubator in Brooklyn, NY. Comparable as a small-format, artist-development-focused nonprofit venue that combines concerts with residency, education, and community programming.
• Lensic Performing Arts Center: Nonprofit performing arts center in Santa Fe, NM. Comparable as a restored historic venue presenting diverse programming (music, theater, film, dance) for a community market, with similar educational and rental revenue mix.
• Edmonds Center for the Arts: Nonprofit performing arts venue in Edmonds, WA, presenting concerts, theater, dance, and family programming in a Pacific Northwest market. Comparable single-venue community nonprofit with a multi-program educational and presentational mission.
• Vashon Center for the Arts: Neighbor performing and visual arts center on Vashon Island, WA. Directly comparable as a community-rooted nonprofit arts venue serving the same island demographic with multi-program offerings including gallery space, classes, and performances.

Emerging players

• Meow Wolf: Immersive arts and entertainment company operating large-format, multi-use experiential venues. Comparable in the warehouse-venue, multi-program, immersive-event model, though at a vastly larger commercial scale and with proprietary IP.
• Children's Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum): San Francisco-based nonprofit focused on youth arts, technology, and creative education programming. Comparable as a community nonprofit providing youth-oriented arts education and performance opportunities, intersecting with Open Space's ORBIT and UMO School programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC0RpahElwjWf1i7Ov7bpNbg
• Facebookfacebook.com/OpenSpaceVashon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/open-space-for-arts-and-community
• Instagraminstagram.com/openspacevsh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Open Space for Arts & Community