What’s 50 years old and responsible for 4,000+ pieces created by 1,500+ artists? That’s the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture (ARTS)'s 1% for Public Art program.
The initiative was enacted in 1973 by then-Mayor Wes Ulman and the Seattle City Council. Under the ordinance, any city-funded construction or improvement project must dedicate 1% of the total cost of the project toward public arts.
In addition to the 4,000+ artworks, the program has funded artist-in-residences, the Waterfront for All initiative, and a few public galleries.
In celebration of the milestone, ARTS is displaying 150 of the works from the program in its King Street Station gallery. “The First 50 Years: Highlights from the Civic Collection, 1973-2023" is free and will run through Thursday, Sept. 7.
