Built in 1915, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) is an historic landmark in the historic Central Area of Seattle. Designed by B. Marcus Priteca, and formerly the Jewish Synagogue of Chevra Biku Cholim, the building became a community center and part of the City of Seattle’s facilities in 1972. It underwent extensive renovations in 2011 to preserve its architectural character and update the facilities. It is now a community facility that may be rented for events and community programs. LHPAI partners with the new non-profit LANGSTON to continue being a center for African American arts and culture in Seattle. It is also home to the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas and The Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District.
LANGSTON is the new non-profit arts organization created to continue the programmatic mission of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. LANGSTON, the culmination of a community-led three-year review and engagement process with the vision of transforming the programming arm of Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute into an independent and thriving arts organization, is envisioned as a steward for an African American arts and cultural hub in Seattle. LANGSTON is based out of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute building and is the primary contact for programming partnerships.
