SEATTLE’S STREETS GET A WHOLE LOT MORE COLOURFUL
Seattle, a city already buzzing with creativity and cultural vibrancy, is set to turn up the saturation even further. Thanks to the Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, the streets are about to become a canvas for a kaleidoscope of new murals—each one a bold statement of the city’s soul.
This initiative is a flagship part of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan, designed to breathe life back into the heart of the city after a period of quiet. It’s not just an art project; it’s a movement, a revival, and a love letter to the Emerald City.
The Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project is a collective effort involving some of the city’s most influential players: Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), Belltown United, CID Business Relief Team, SODO Business Improvement Area (SODO BIA), and Wing Luke Museum. Together, these organisations have set out to revitalise downtown Seattle from SODO to Belltown, splashing over 30 murals across the urban landscape. This isn’t just about beautification; it’s about reimagining public spaces, making them more pedestrian-friendly, and turning them into destinations in their own right.
Seattle has long been known as a city where nature and art coexist in a harmonious, sometimes surprising, balance. Mayor Bruce Harrell captures this sentiment perfectly: “Seattle is an art city,” he declares. “Our city’s natural beauty is enhanced by our local artists who use our urban centre as a canvas to create art the whole community can gather around and enjoy. These murals reflect the creativity and diversity of our communities, adding to the liveliness of our Downtown core during this busy summer season and beyond. I thank the artists behind them and encourage all of Seattle to come check out their work.”
The project isn’t just a fleeting summer spectacle. With funding secured, these murals are here to stay, maintained through 2026. Each piece is planned and produced by a diverse group of local artists, bringing a unique perspective to every corner of the city. The aim is clear: to celebrate Seattle’s rich cultural tapestry and make art accessible to everyone, every day.
Myron Curry, one of the participating artists, speaks to the transformative power of public art: “Murals are impactful cultural art. It not only beautifies but empowers the community to connect and be proud of who they are.” Curry’s mural, inspired by Ed Schmid’s book Beginning Glassblowing, is just one example of how these works will reflect the unique stories, histories, and aspirations of Seattle’s neighbourhoods.
This project also underscores the importance of local artists in shaping the identity of the city. The lineup of creatives involved is a testament to Seattle’s thriving art scene, with names like Addison Karl, Lauren YS, Barry Johnson, and Louie Gong among the many bringing their visions to life on the city’s walls. Each artist offers a different lens on the city—whether it’s a reflection on the natural environment, an exploration of cultural identity, or a commentary on the social issues facing the community.
For those ready to dive into this vibrant world, the Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project offers more than just pretty pictures. It’s an invitation to explore the city with fresh eyes, to see the familiar streets transformed into something new, and to connect with the stories that each mural tells. As you wander from SODO to Belltown, from one masterpiece to the next, you’ll be walking through a living gallery that’s as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these new works of art and experience the transformative power of public murals. Whether you’re a long-time Seattleite or a first-time visitor, this project promises to offer a fresh perspective on the city and its vibrant culture.
To learn more about the mural locations, the artists involved, and upcoming events related to the project, head over to visitseattle.org/hopecorpsmurals.
Get ready, Seattle. Your streets are about to tell a whole new story—one mural at a time.
