ACES // Artists of Color Expo & Symposium returns October 9-11, 2026, for a free, three-day celebration of BIPOC artists, creativity, and community.

Produced by Shunpike, ACES is a BIPOC-led event that creates space for artists to be bold, experiment across disciplines, and connect through shared creative practice.

ACES will take place at Washington 1000 (1000 Olive Way) in Downtown Seattle.

ACES is free and open to the public; all are welcome to attend.

The weekend will feature:

• THE CYPHER, a live art-making experience where artists respond to a shared prompt across multiple rounds, creating a cross-media dialogue in real time.
• Art Exhibition, a showcase of contemporary visual artwork by BIPOC artists.
• A diverse series of artist-led, hands-on workshops, panels, and artist conversations exploring culture, identity, healing, creative practice, community, sustainability, and the tools artists need to build meaningful and sustainable careers.
• The Market, featuring independent artists and makers selling original artwork, handmade goods, and merchandise.
• Community organization tables highlighting nonprofit, advocacy, mutual aid, and educational initiatives.
• Keynote speaker: Damon Brown
• Short film screenings and talks by Scope Screenings.
• Live podcast conversations with artists, hosted by Milli Agency.

Applications for artists, presenters, and exhibitors closed on August 1. The full lineup of participating artists, keynote speakers, workshops, and programming will be announced in September.

SCHEDULE

• Friday | 1:00-4:00 PM | Opening Night Party 5:30-9:00 PM
• Saturday | 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Sunday | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM