As travelers pass through the bustling corridors of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, they are greeted by more than departure boards and baggage claim areas. The airport’s impressive array of art showcases local and international artists, vibrant murals, and thought-provoking installations, transforming the mundane experience of a plane flight into a journey about travel, culture, and community.
The Harborview Bond Program (HBP) toured the current collection for inspiration while embarking early on a journey to identify best practices and lessons learned with commissionable artworks between King County’s 1% for Art program and construction builders.
Led by Sea-Tac Airport Public Art curators and archivists Tommy and Annabelle, HBP explored a stunning mural that has appreciated more than 10 times its original value, and terrazzo tiles that capture the Pacific Northwest’s fishing heritage. The tour also included insight into how the creative teams at the airport curated art and determined efficient physical spaces for displays to encourage dialogue and reflection among travelers and airport staff alike.
The tour was not only enlightening but also a reminder of the power that art holds in shaping our environments and experiences. The inclusion of art fosters a sense of belonging and pride at Sea-Tac Airport, and HBP plans to do the same. HBP understands that art can significantly enhance the healing environment for patients and staff, providing solace and inspiration amid the challenges of healthcare. By integrating artwork that resonates with the community, the hospital aims to create an atmosphere that fosters well-being and encourages recovery.
The Bond Program extends heartfelt thanks to Sea-Tac Airport and 4Culture for this immersive experience. Their dedication to advocating for art in public spaces serves as a model for the state.
Top Photo: Features Harborview Bond Program team members in front of Frank Stella’s “York Factory A” art piece located in Concourse A of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s one of the first artworks acquired by the Port of Seattle in the early 1970s at $25,000 and has appreciated significantly beyond that price.
