Third Way Creative is a collaborative consulting studio based in Seattle, WA.

AMPLIFYING THE CIVIC IMAGINATION

Civic, cultural, and organizational facilitation to synthesize and co-create unique solutions.

PRACTICE AREAS

CULTURAL POLICY
CREATIVE ECONOMY
RACIAL EQUITY

WHAT
WE DO

CULTIVATING A VISION

To the move any kind of meaningful work forward, there must be a clear and compelling vision of what success can look like. Our approach fosters a collaborative process where we can co-create possible futures, and guide organizational aspiration.

ORGANIZATIONAL WAYFINDING

It can be easy to lose the plot when you are too close to the work. Our inclusive approach to getting un-stuck is based in collaboration and innovation, tailoring our offerings in individual coaching and team building to respond to the aspirations and needs of all.

OPERATIONALIZING YOUR DREAMS

A goal without a plan is a wish. A compelling vision is critical, but so is a tangible, actionable set of goals and strategies that can help make that possible future a reality.

GENERATIVE CONVENING

We believe the whole is most often greater than the sum of the parts. Bringing together teams, communities, and constituencies to exchange ideas in an inclusive, creative, equitable space allows us to reach real results.

WHO WE ARE

Third Way Creative is a collaborative consulting studio based in Seattle, WA. Working at the intersection of cultural policy, racial equity, and creative economy, we believe that arts, culture, and creativity are the tools needed to co-create and re-imagine civic life. Our areas of expertise include cultural policy development and implementation; strategic, cultural and organizational planning; creative facilitation; inclusive community engagement; civic and social practice public art; and convening and event production. Together our consulting team has more than 50 years of combined experience building community-led programs, projects and policies centered on justice in the cultural, nonprofit, public, and creative sectors.

Having met as colleagues in the City of Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture, Randy Engstrom, Elisheba Johnson and Kristen Ramirez co-founded Third Way Creative in early 2021 to support intentional civic practices. Our work explores the possibilities and intersections of public imagination, civic narrative, racial equity, and belonging through arts, culture and creativity. Since our founding we have engaged additional partners and collaborators and worked on projects both nationally and internationally.