SEATTLE — This week Seattle neighborhoods are getting more vibrant. Especially in Belltown where it hosted a Mural Festival, unveiling new art installations throughout the downtown
“It’s really just overnight going to change the way people look at the neighborhood, adding huge pops of color,” said Aaron Asis with Belltown United. “If you come out to Belltown and walk up and down Bell Street you’re going to see things that are unmissable. You’re going to see things that you never saw before and they’re going to help light up your day.”
Asis is with the nonprofit organization Belltown United, one of the organizers of the Belltown Mural Festival. All in hopes of continuing the city’s plan of activating these downtown neighborhoods.
“Opportunities to look at the buildings in different ways, the city in a different way, the streets in a different way and to be honest with you, we’re creating all kinds of new relationships,” said Asis. “The artists are meeting the property owners; the property owners are meeting the residents. People are out on the street meeting each other and that’s what it’s all about.”
According to the Downtown Seattle Association, there will be 36 new murals popping up from Belltown to Sodo this month, that will be on display through 2026.
“It’s immeasurable in a way that you can see people start to love their neighborhood, love their landmarks,” said Paul Nunn. “It’s really cool to kind of be a part of that process.”
Nunn is one of the 12 local artists that are painting 10 murals in Belltown that will be located within blocks of Second and Bell Street.
“It gives a feeling of hope and excitement,” said Nunn. “It’s not a huge neighborhood but its dense with a lot of great gems.”
Organizers admit there are still plenty of ongoing issues in downtown. But hope these murals will help paint a better picture for years to come.
“This might not solve all the problems all at once,” said Asis. “But this is a great first step. And if we can keep doing stuff like this we’ll really be in a better place in the next three to five years.”
The festival started on Aug. 13 and runs until Aug. 18.
