Our Public & Community Arts program works in three areas: facilitation and management of public art projects in Southeast Seattle, providing arts education opportunities for youth at SEED buildings, and facilitating community groups to strengthen the South End’s creative economy.
SEEDArts has facilitated dozens of artworks in Southeast Seattle neighborhoods, making them more beautiful places to live, work, and play. We advocate for public artwork in SEED’s affordable housing projects and offer services to help others in the community realize their vision for public art.
We offer short term consulting as well as full project management in the planning, commission, fabrication, and installation of art in public places. We have an extensive network of emerging and professional artists to connect with developers and community groups.
To learn more or discuss an upcoming project, contact Kathy Fowells, SEEDArts Director.
Each of the SEEDArts programs includes a youth component: Columbia City Gallery hosts an annual youth exhibit, Rainier Arts Center hosts numerous arts experiences and camps, and KVRU’s internships give voice to local youth. We also provide arts opportunities and education to residents at SEED’s apartment buildings. Access to and engagement with arts and culture is linked to greater academic outcomes and economic opportunities; such access promotes livability and cohesion for the entire community.
Whether through advocating for fair wages for local artists, building community coalitions to support creative development, or acquiring and maintaining arts facilities, we create the conditions to help artists and creative entrepreneurs thrive in place. We do so with the conviction that supporting the creative sector fosters both community and economic development, and improves the quality of life for all residents.
In 2017, SEEDArts worked with local arts activists to achieve City designation for the Columbia Hillman Arts & Cultural District. The SEEDArts Director serves as the Co-Chair for the District, and SEEDArts is the fiscal sponsor. In 2021, a coalition worked to become certified by the Washington State Arts Commission as the Rainier Valley Cultural District. SEEDArts participated in the planning committee and now serves as the Treasurer. The Rainier Valley is the only area in the state that has achieved this dual recognition for its creative economy.