VISION

PACE's vision is to build a multi-purpose theater in Bellevue to expand access to arts and entertainment on the Eastside through regional partnerships and arts education initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of arts programming across King County.

THE NEED

Over the past 50 years, investment in performing arts venues of scale has been geographically exclusive to Seattle. However, population growth outside of Seattle has surged, especially on the Eastside where global corporations have built headquarters, international communities have flourished, and families have flocked to raise their children.  

A venue of scale will allow Broadway, commercial touring attractions, and Seattle arts groups to perform on the Eastside, finally enabling local arts organizations to realize the full potential of their audience demand, and make the Eastside a prosperous place to live for future generations 

A PLAN BUILT ON ALLIANCES

To realize this vision, we have implemented a business plan based on strategic arts alliances. We are working with Seattle Theater Group (STG) as a programming partner to deliver Broadway shows and commercial attractions to the Eastside. We are creating an accessible rental calendar for our regional arts organizations to expand their performances here. And, most importantly, we are reserving 100+ days of use to Eastside arts presenters to finally house their full potential at capacities of 1,000 and upwards of 2,000 seats.

Our operating model is designed to sustain a $18M annual budget, with 73% earned and 27%contributed revenue. At the heart of PACE’s programming plan is our commitment to provide a robust schedule of comprehensive arts education initiatives, including after-school classes, youth performances, art therapy for special needs, and other programs to support lifelong learning. This Center will be the catalyst for establishing a thriving arts identity for the Eastside.

PROGRAMMING 

On Stage

PACE will be an iconic venue that serves the 800,000+ Eastside population with 200 performances a year. PACE programming will include touring Broadway shows and comedy acts, all types of theatrical and dance productions, musical attractions such as pop, jazz, rock, R&B, hip hop, country, bluegrass, opera, classical, comedy and cabaret, and world music and dance that represent the diverse ethnic communities of the Eastside.

Cross-Cultural

Cross-cultural programming will serve as a pillar for PACE, reflecting the diverse communities that shape the Eastside’s identity. We are committed to providing a platform for diverse voices and artistic expressions, allowing audiences from every background to see themselves reflected on stage. Through this commitment, PACE will foster the Eastside’s burgeoning arts identity – grounded in the heritage, interests, and artistic traditions that celebrate our global community.

Arts Education

As a centerpiece of our commitment to the community, PACE will prioritize our youth by becoming a home for field trips, school partnerships, in-classroom and after school instruction, family centric programming, art therapies and so much more.