Base announces the departure of Co-Founder and Interim Co-Director Peggy Piacenza

Seattle, June 3, 2025 — It is with gratitude and fondness that Base announces the departure of Co-Founder and Interim Co-Director Peggy Piacenza. After nearly a decade of service and dedication to the organization, Piacenza will step down on June 30, 2025.

Piacenza co-founded Base with Dayna Hanson and Dave Proscia, and has been a guiding force since before Base opened our doors in July 2016. Piacenza has taken on countless responsibilities at Base, from collaboratively envisioning and shepherding the Base Residency program to bookkeeping and budgeting to replenishing supplies and cleaning the space—no task has been too humble or too expansive for Piacenza. Under Piacenza’s collaborative leadership, Base has grown in our operations, our profile and, most importantly, in the breadth and depth of opportunities we provide to artists, both in Seattle and nationally. 

The Base Board of Directors states, “Through all the work that Peggy has poured into Base, the artist in her was always present and in tune with the needs of those she served. Her fierce belief in artistic risk, equity, and collective imagination continues to be a connective tissue in all that we do as a team. It is no doubt that Base is one of her greatest works—an astounding collaboration that continues to reach new communities, build connections, and create impact far beyond expectations.”

Piacenza states, “Founding Base was about creating a home for artists to do their work. It was about creating space for movement, for voices, for risk, for beauty, for questions, and for community. But what began as a vision has grown into something far greater than I could have imagined, and that’s entirely because of you: Every artist, collaborator, supporter, and audience member has helped shape what Base has become.”

On July 1, 2025, Co-Founder and Interim Co-Director Dayna Hanson will assume the role of Executive Director. Hanson states: “Without Peggy, Base would never have come into existence. In her extraordinary presence and as a result of her passionate commitment, this organization has grown from literally nothing into the indispensable community resource it is today. I will always be grateful for Peggy’s partnership in making our shared vision a spectacular reality.”

Hanson will work with staff, board and the community to continue building the Base Residency program and explore new initiatives aimed at helping elevate Seattle’s cultural life. Hanson will continue leading Flourish, the community campaign to help Base grow in organizational capacity and expand the resources we provide to the creative community. Under Hanson’s leadership, and with the participation of Base’s staff and board of directors, Base will continue a five-year strategic planning process, to be unveiled during the organization’s 2025-2026 season.

Piacenza’s letter to the community

Dear Friends of Base,

I’m writing to share that I will be stepping down as Interim Co-Director of Base as of June 30, 2025. As a Base co-founder, this is a meaningful and emotional shift—and one that has been thoughtfully planned for some time. Base is growing, and part of that growth is making space for new leadership. I have complete confidence in co-founder Dayna Hanson, the Base board, and our dedicated staff to carry Base forward in all the ways we’ve dreamed.

It was ten years ago that I founded Base with Dayna and Dave Proscia. As an artist, I understand the value of concentrated, in-depth time to enter the creative process—a space to lie on the floor, stare at the ceiling, and let your mind drift toward possibility. I know the boredom, the doubt, and the sparks of inspiration that surface in that stillness. I understand the importance of giving yourself time to feel the weight of your body, the sensation of your limbs moving, and the slow unfolding of ideas from within. 

Founding Base was about creating a home for artists to do their work. It was about creating space for movement, for voices, for risk, for beauty, for questions, and for community. This was my dream when I conceived of Base and approached Dayna and Dave with the idea. But what began as a vision has grown into something far greater than I could have imagined, and that’s entirely because of you. Every artist, collaborator, supporter, and audience member has helped shape what Base has become.

Making the decision to leave was not an easy one, but I know that for art to thrive, it must continue to evolve. I trust the path forward and I trust that the spirit we all nurtured together will continue to resonate. I remain deeply committed to our mission and the beautiful, ever-challenging work of experimental art. As I enter this next chapter, the work continues. I’ll be focusing on my creative practice and reflecting on how I can best support our artist community in meaningful ways.

Adrienne Rich once wrote, “The moment of change is the only poem.” That line lives in me. It reminds me that the most vital moments—the ones that feel uncertain, tender, alive—are the ones that shape us, and shape the work we do. Change isn’t something to resist; it’s the very heartbeat of creation. I return to that line often, especially now, as I step into what’s next with curiosity and an open heart.

A letter like this wouldn’t be complete without expressing my deep gratitude to co-founder Dayna Hanson. Her artistry has shaped every step of this journey, and I’m thrilled that she will be stepping into the role of Executive Director at Base. I have no doubt she will lead the organization forward with vision and integrity. It’s been an honor to walk this path alongside her, and I’m deeply grateful for the many years of friendship and artistic collaboration we’ve shared. I look forward to discovering new ways to create and connect together in the future.

To everyone who has walked this journey with me — thank you. I see you and will continue to see you. Thank you for your trust, your passion, your fierce creativity, and your belief in the power of art to connect and transform. I leave this role with immense pride, love, and hope for what’s to come.

With unending gratitude,

Peggy Piacenza

Full statement from Base’s Board of Directors

With hearts full of immense gratitude and a touch of bittersweet emotion, we share the news that our Co-Founder Peggy Piacenza will be transitioning out of her role as Interim Co-Director of Base at the end of June.

For over 30 years Peggy has been creating work and building community in Seattle, always with a spirit of adventure, dynamism, collaboration, and possibility. 

Over the past ten years as co-founder and driving force for Base, she has been a steadfast advocate for artists navigating the ever-shifting climate of Seattle’s creative landscape. With her boundless imagination and incredible labor of love, Peggy has nurtured Base from its earliest ideations into a physical reality where artistic experimentation is not only possible but protected, where the radical act of creation is met with care, and where the community is always centered. 

Her dedication to cultivating a shared vision helped build a haven in a city where the cost of living continues to rise, and the security artists need to thrive becomes harder to find. Through all the work that Peggy has poured into Base, the artist in her was always present and in tune with the needs of those she served. Her fierce belief in artistic risk, equity, and collective imagination continues to be a connective tissue in all that we do as a team. It is no doubt that Base is one of her greatest works – an astounding collaboration that continues to reach new communities, build connections, and create impact far beyond expectations. 

Though Peggy is stepping away from her leadership role, her voice and impact will remain embedded in our mission and future. We honor her legacy and extend our heartfelt gratitude for the passion, labor, and love she has so generously dedicated to our ever-growing community.

The Base Board of Directors:
Jim Kent, President
John Robinson, Treasurer
Natalie Sandoval
Nikolai Lesnikov
Alice de Muizon
Sharon Park
Koushik Gosh
Brian Collins-Friedrich