Cal Anderson hosted a Cutie Party in Cal Anderson in May.

Kaitlin Fritz, founder and executive director of Cutie Fest and the Cutie Foundation, has turned a grassroots art initiative into a bustling celebration of creativity and community.

Fritz’s journey, which began as a burst in art creation during the pandemic, is now ready to grow and spread out from its Capitol Hill roots with new events and campaigns including a partnership with the Downtown Seattle Association, promising a bright future for local artists and vendors.

Fritz started Cutie Fest in 2022 after finding traditional art markets and fairs around Seattle prohibitively expensive.

“I wanted to sell my art but I couldn’t afford to do markets,” Fritz said. Her solution was simple yet bold: set up a free market in a park. The initial turnout was modest, with just a handful of vendors but word quickly spread. By the following year, Cutie Fest had grown to host more than 550 creators.

Fritz envisions Seattle’s parks like Cal Anderson becoming hubs for local artists and vendors, much like Pike Place Market. “Public spaces should be used by public people,” she says. This philosophy is a foundation for her efforts to encourage spontaneous vendor markets and community gatherings, ensuring that public spaces serve the people who fund them.

Cutie Fest is a good example of the kind of things city officials and community group leaders think of when they talk about activating spaces like Cal Anderson. CHS reported here on the latest approach to buttressing public safety efforts by adding a new “activation manager” for Cal Anderson. But growing Cutie Fest has been an organic, community-led effort.

One of the aspects valued by many participants of Cutie Fest is its commitment to being a police-free event. “None of my Cutie Fests have had police presence,” Fritz said, highlighting the role of community-based security measures like Dykes on Bikes who have successfully managed security at previous events. This approach aligns with the broader community’s desire to invest in youth programs and public safety alternatives, she says.

Fritz’s vision extends beyond Cutie Fest. She is currently working with the county to secure funding for a Queer Youth Art Center. Inspired by community-driven music projects, Fritz aims to create a similar inclusive space for young artists. “I would love to do it at the Seattle Center,” she said, noting the importance of accessible, welcoming environments for local queer youth.

The efforts are being noticed but new growth might mean fewer Cutie events on Capitol Hill. Recently, the Downtown Seattle Association has come on board to support Cutie Fest, marking a significant milestone. “They are going to start funding it starting next month,” Fritz said. The first event, scheduled for June 22 and 23, will take place at Bell Street Park and feature not just vendors, but also stages for bands and food stalls. This partnership promises to elevate the festival, providing essential amenities like bathrooms and more organized space for vendors.

But there are other, smaller signs of Cutie’s presence that will hopefully remain. One example is the free art kits tacked up randomly around the Hill.

As Cutie Fest continues to grow, Fritz invites the community to get involved. Registration for the downtown event in June is now open, and volunteer opportunities will be available soon. For more information, visit cutiefoundation.org or follow @cutiefoundation.

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