About South King County Cultural Coalition - SoCoCulture
Founded in 2004
In March 2004, King County Council Member Julia Patterson hosted a community luncheon to discuss the artistic and cultural vitality of South King County. Out of this the South King County Cultural Coalition, better known as SoCoCulture, was born. Some 70 groups have joined forces to promote and preserve culture in the vibrant communities south of Seattle. SoCo provides advocacy, collaborative marketing, networking opportunities and professional development for our members.
Become a member
The coalition is open to all arts, heritage, botanical and other cultural organizations that present, produce, preserve or propel culture in South King County, including theatre, music, dance, literary, heritage, genealogical, botanical and visual arts organizations. Government and education agencies are also eligible.
Quarterly meetings
Check the calendar for specific dates, times, places and speakers in January, March, May, September and November. We meet at different cultural venues throughout South King County and feature guest speakers on various topics. For more information e-mail info@sococulture.org
SoCoCulture Members
Our cultural association consists of dance, heritage, literary, music, theatre, municipal, botanical, educational and visual arts organizations located in Auburn, Black Diamond, Burien, Des Moines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila, Washington. Click here to read about each member. You can join the coalition online or by mail.
Benefits and Services
We are currently in a transition phase, but our plan is to provide similar services as when SoCoCulture was a 4Culture-supported project. Some of these include…
- Website with articles of relevance to Cultural organizations
- Listing of SoCoCulture member organizations and how to contact
- Interactive website features, like our exclusive map of local trees
- Regular newsletters
- Members-only perks like “News you can use” and “SoCo Opps”
- Bi-monthly development workshops and networking events
- Opportunities for collaborative marketing and events
- So much more!
Stay tuned to this space for updates. Eventually this page will contain our updated mission statement and strategic plan, plus information about our organizational structure.
Donate to SoCoCulture
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount.Your donation helps with operational costs and and allows us to share South King County’s important cultural offerings with the larger community. (Members note: The donation portal is not for dues renewal.)
Photo credits
On Home page
- The Renton Municipal Arts Commission’s Holi celebration welcoming Spring – photo courtesy of Renton Municipal Arts Commission
- Botanical – Magnolia tree in bloom at Soos Creek Botanical Garden – photo courtesy of Soos Creek Botanical Garden
- Dance – Pacific Ballroom Dance offers a robust slate of dance classes and events for adults – photo courtesy Pacific Ballroom Dance
- Heritage – The Museum of Flight celebrates its Black “Rosie the Riveters” – photo courtesy of Museum of Flight
- Literary – Federal Way poet Alexandria Manalo, who often appears at special events produced by the Pacific Bonsai Museum, introduces her new book, “Butterfly Army Unite” – photo courtesy of Alexandria Manalo
- Music – Rainier Youth Choirs’ Consonare group after a recent performance – photo courtesy of Rainier Youth Choirs
- Organization – Explore Seattle Southside showcases wonderful sites to visit and enjoy in South King County, such as Angle Lake Park in SeaTac – photo courtesy of Explore Seattle Southside
- Theatre – Andrew McMasters of Improv Mindset LLC uses theatrical techniques to help businesses and individuals succeed – photo courtesy of Improv Mindset
- Visual Arts – Pacific Bonsai Museum will host a free Tai Chi workshop on April 27 – photo courtesy Pacific Bonsai Museum
On About SoCo page
SoCoCulture members gathered for their 2024 meeting at the Black River Cultural Arts Center in Renton – photo credit Barbara McMichael