We spoke with artist Roy Franklin about their background and the process behind the new Symphony Block Bike Corrals. Read on to learn more! Roy Franklin is a professional amateur, working across countless mediums—from ceramics and comics, to public art and social practice. Their work lingers on the hidden and… [ Keep reading ]
Imagine the hidden world of water systems, told through the voices of the people, cultures, and communities connected to it. The Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), is bringing that idea to life through a new documentary series for the Ship Canal Water Quality… [ Keep reading ]
The Office of Arts & Culture is invested in training the next generation of public artists who can create culturally relevant artworks that resonate with the diverse communities that make up the City of Seattle. Public Art Boot Camp provides training for artists who are ready to translate their exhibition… [ Keep reading ]
The emergence of daffodils, plum, and cherry blossoms throughout the region are the signs that spring is just around the corner. This is the time when our Public Art division thinks about new growth for our program and developing a new cohort of artists within the public art realm. It… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (OAC) is thrilled to announce that Gerardo “Periko” Peña is selected to create new site-integrated public artwork for the NE 130 St & NE 125 St Mobility and Safety Project and the Lake City Floodplain Park Project. This is a partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Public… [ Keep reading ]
On Jan. 21, 2026, Mayor Katie Wilson announced Amy Nguyen as the acting director of the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Amy returns to us after working as our Public Art Director and Interim Deputy Director. Below is her vision and priorities for this new role. Seattle’s arts and… [ Keep reading ]
As you make your way up Shilshole Ave toward NW Market Street in Ballard, vibrant aquatic forms now ripple across the urban landscape. Low Tide, the temporary public art by artist Glynn Rosenberg, builds on their 2024 exhibition of the same name. The piece explores the delicate balance of tide pool… [ Keep reading ]
In 2025, we built a strong foundation for a more sustainable future by completing our five-year strategic plan. This living document positions us to lead in a rapidly evolving cultural and civic landscape and grounds us for the important work of developing Seattle’s first citywide Cultural Plan, starting in 2026…. [ Keep reading ]
The Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle City Light, and Chief Seattle Club are joining forces with the Raven Village community to bring new life to a Ballard City Light substation! This project will transform blank substation walls and fencing along Leary Way into a piece of public art, featuring… [ Keep reading ]
Gülgün Kayim joined our staff as director in July 2023 and concluded her role in January 2026. Here are some words of appreciation and gratitude from our staff: Gülgün, you brought your respectful “Yes, and…” willingness to listen and collaborate. You helped build bridges between people and ideas. I’m so grateful… [ Keep reading ]
