We are working to develop a sustainable system for bringing long-term community vibrancy by assisting and mobilizing local Seattle artists and arts based organizations to collaborate with planners and students. Our everyday work is to make urban space more enjoyable now; however, we are deeply rooted for understanding long-term solutions.

 

Our collaborations seek to solve problems in public space using interactive art, place-based strategies, and continuous research into the ways artists can revitalize places through interaction with the public.

 

We are currently collaborating for a festival and office-performance-gallery space to get public-interactive art installations and art pilot projects going on Western Avenue from which strategies can be created to enliven walkable corridors in dead zones between anchors throughout Seattle. ("Anchors"- places already established by high activity such as Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square)

 

Western Avenue is currently struggling due to grand construction on the Waterfront and Alaskan Way Viaduct. This construction will last for many years, and we desire to work in collaboration with artists, planners, businesses, etc. to help make this space as wonderful as any other anchor in Seattle. The timeliness for this project is vital as most storefronts are vacant on the six blocks between Union and Columbia. City planners are working hard to create more low-income housing and artist work spaces above parking structures. Our work is unique because it speaks specifically for the creation of partnerships between planners, artists, and students solving challenges together.

 

Most importantly, we would like to share our work and assist other neighborhoods in the process of enlivening streets for increased walkability. We are always seeking more partnerships and community member support.

 

It's clear to see that Seattle is developing rapidly, so let us not forget the true worth of any city: people, community, culture, and their creativity. At SeattleUAPI, we know the city blueprints are incredibly important; but more so, we know the spaces in between the design lines are where life happens. Those spaces of art and interaction are the spaces we cherish.