Creative Economy Program
The Creative Economy Program focuses on inclusive investments in education, workforce development, jobs, and business growth for arts, culture, film, music, nightlife, and other creative industry occupations.
In partnership with public, private, community, and industry stakeholders, our strategies:
- Help creative workers transition into higher earning jobs,
- Support and expand creative economy sectors,
- Create opportunities for creative sector business and job growth, and
- Connect businesses and workers with high-demand creative skills in our evolving economy.
Creative workers and businesses are integral to an inclusive economy and a significant economic driver – in music, film, graphic design, gaming, and more. The 2019 Creative Economy Report showed that Seattle's creative workforce drives 18 percent of the city's GDP. That's four times the national average.
To further meet the sector’s needs, we've now launched a workspace program at the M5 Creative Building. Read below to learn more.
For more information on Seattle’s Creative Economy, visit the Creative Industries page.
M5 Creative Building Workspaces
It's our mission to attract, grow, and keep production teams in Seattle. In partnership with Seattle Center, we are activating the M5 Creative Building (401 Mercer Street) for temporary use for film production and other creative production office space, conferences, workshops, controlled events, and productions. This provides a central, accessible, cross-disciplinary place for creatives to convene and work.
Affordable leases are flexible and available for a day, a week, a month, or more. Our application process prioritizes underserved businesses, workers, organizations, and communities. Learn more about available spaces and criteria below.
Join Us on a Tour of the M5 Creative Building
Join us for a free tour of the M5 Creative Building. There are four tour dates and times in June, but space is limited. Get your no-cost ticket here.
If you are under deadline for a film production, please contact us directly at filmoffice@seattle.gov to schedule a scout.
M5 Creative Building Use Rates
Competitive, affordable rates have been established for short-term and one-time use of the M5 Creative building. Please use this pricing chart and contact us if you have questions.
Building Use Applications
Due Date: Ongoing
- Temporary office space for film production: Workstations, offices, small prop and wardrobe storage for working film productions.
- Temporary office and production space for Creative Production organizations: Workstations, offices, small item storage for working non-film creative sector production.
- Events, Workshops, Training: One-time or recurring use for creative sector events, activities, workshops, and training.
- Hot Space: Sign up for single-time weekday use of desk, office, or conference room space.
- Apply for a Master Film Permit: Film at M5 Creative Building. Contact chris.swenson@seattle.gov first to check availability.
Use Restrictions
In addition to obligations described in any lease or license, applicants must agree to the following rules:
- Use must be short-term (less than one year).
- Spaces will be used for "Creative Production." This is defined as film, audio, art, event, interactive/video game, and design.
- Use will not directly compete with Seattle Center or its resident organizations' leasing, event, performance, or rehearsal space (e.g., producing a play at M5 while Seattle Repertory, Seattle Children's Theatre, or Theatre Puget Sound have availability).
For more information about the M5 Creative Building, contact chris.swenson@seattle.gov or call (206) 733-9245.
Support in other languages is available
To request translation or interpretation services, call (206) 733-9245 and leave the following information in a voicemail:
- Name
- Phone number
- Preferred language
- The type of support needed