Photographic Center Northwest

A photograph can echo through time, shaping conversations for years to come. Supporting artists creates a ripple effect, preserving stories that might otherwise go untold, fueling a lifetime of creative impact, inspiring communities, and empowering individuals. 

At PCNW, we champion artists and photo enthusiasts by offering 20-25 free public programs annually, including our gallery exhibitions, professional development workshops, artist talks, panel discussions, open calls for work, and community-driven events. We are proud to provide specialized workshops, juried exhibitions, and masterclasses with world-renowned photographers, educators and industry leaders. 

At the heart of it all, PCNW is a safe, inspiring, and diverse community where artists can grow. In 2024, we showcased the work of over 600 artists across eight gallery exhibitions and public art installments. 

This year, we are raising critical funds to expand access, resources, and opportunities for artists. Will you join us in supporting creativity and community? Your support will be felt in every photograph, every exhibition, and every artist we uplift this year.

Mission

PCNW is a place for everyone to explore the photographic arts. We promote lifelong learning and creativity through resources and programs that inspire and empower. We believe in a world where visual storytelling and artistic expression are used as tools for positive change, community building, and greater empathy.  

Photo credit: Danny NganPhoto credit: Lilly Everett

Description

For over thirty years, PCNW has championed and provided photographic education through our accredited 53-credit Certificate Program, classes and workshops; free exhibitions and public programs; and publicly-accessible facilities. Our goals are to provide comprehensive, rigorous, and inclusive education; champion artists and the artform; and promote equitable access to photography that creates the framework for our projects and programs.

Through our programs and labs we serve an average of 5,000 individuals annually. Of those, nearly 1,000 are students enrolled in classes and workshops including summer teen workshops in partnership with Coyote Central, Youth in Focus, and the Seattle World School; BFA students through a partnership with Seattle University; and adults of all ages pursuing continued education. In an effort to provide low barrier access to photographic education, we award more than $28,000 annually in scholarships to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and those with financial need. Our community also includes 150 members, 50+ volunteers, 25 adjunct faculty, countless practitioners, donors, and collectors, and the general public. Complementary to our classes and workshops PCNW hosts 5-6 exhibitions annually and 20-25 free public programs such as artist lectures, panel discussions, and professional development workshops. 

Recognition

A very special thanks to our board, staff, faculty, students, members, donors, collectors, general lovers, and our many community-partners. We could not do all that we do without your unbridled passion, expertise, and dedication.

We also gratefully our sponsors, partners, and supporters: 4Culture; Hoedemaker-Pfeiffer; Glazer's; King County Metro; The Leonian Foundation; Names Family Foundation; Seattle Office of Arts & Culture; The Raynier Institute & Foundation; Seattle University; The Murdock Charitable Trust; Washington Gl; The Norcliffe Foundation and others who help sustain our operations and programs.