63rd St Mural
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The 63rd St Mural has a long history as being a prominent focal point in Seattle. It is located on the north side of N 63rd St at Aurora Ave N, an area that receives high foot and wheel traffic. There have been murals at this site since the 1990s, the most recent of which was Michiko Tanaka’s mural (pictured above), created in 2014 by a group of community members with support from the PNA. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers this mural outlasted its 5-year life expectancy and was painted over in 2021.
Now, the PNA, with support from the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and the local community, is leading the effort to paint a new 63rd St Mural during the summer of 2023 that is both created by and a reflection of our vibrantly diverse Seattle community. The theme of this project is Belonging.
The mural is divided into five connected sections (shown below) that make up a total span of over 200 feet. Applications for both artists and community groups are open through May 31, 2023. A committee of community members and arts leaders will select five artists and five community groups to work together on painting one section each. The new mural will be complete by the end of August 2023.
Remnants of Michiko Tanaka’s “Animal Silhouettes” are still visible after the mural was painted over in 2021. Photo credit PNA.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
DOWNLOAD INFO PACKET
ARTISTS
Artists can apply to paint one of the sections of mural in collaboration with a community group. Information about eligibility, compensation, and your responsibilities is available in the Info Packet. If you have questions, please find FAQs and Contact Information below. The application deadline is 11:59 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Application closed.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Community groups can apply to collaborate with an artist on painting one of the sections of the mural. By “Community Group,” we are referring to community-based organizations that have a presence in Northwest Seattle. Examples include (but are not limited to):
Tribes and Indian organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Businesses
Schools
Cooperatives
Trade unions
Cultural organizations
Churches
Collectives
Foundations
Student groups
Neighborhood groups
Mutual aid groups
And more!
Information about eligibility, compensation, and your responsibilities is available in the Info Packet. If you have questions, please find FAQs and Contact Information below. The application deadline is 11:59 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Application closed.
VOLUNTEERS
Interested in volunteering? Join our 63rd Street Mural Volunteer Mailing list & we’ll let you know when we have more details to share. Please note, the confirmation you’ll get is pretty generic & sparse. But not to worry! We’ll send you an email when we have our timing ready to share. Thank you for your support!
SPONSORS
The PNA is seeking donations of paint and painting supplies for this project. To learn how you or your business can help out, please contact Jonathan Booker, Community Programs Director for the PNA, at [email protected].
FAQs
What artwork was at this site previously?
There have been murals at this site since the 1990s, the most recent of which was created in 2014 by a group of community members with support from the PNA. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers this mural outlasted its 5-year life expectancy and was painted over in 2021.
Do artists need to submit proposals in the application?
No, the application is a request for qualifications. Selected artists will plan the artwork in collaboration with the community group that they are paired with.
Who provides paint and supplies?
Artists are compensated to provide the necessary paint and supplies to create the artwork. NOTE: The PNA is actively seeking donations of paint and supplies from local businesses and will provide updates on this as available.
What if artists and community groups have already agreed to work together on this project?
Artists and community groups who have already agreed to work together on this project can indicate that in the application.
I submitted my application, but need to make a change to it. How can I do that?
If it is before the application deadline, please contact Jonathan Booker, Community Programs Director, at [email protected]. Changes submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
When are applications due?
Applications for both artists and community groups must be submitted online by 11:59 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
CONTACT US
For media inquiries, information about sponsorship opportunities, general information about the project, and questions about the applications, contact Jonathan Booker, Community Programs Director, at [email protected].
For information about volunteering, contact LeAnne Chow, Volunteer Program Manager, at [email protected].
THANK YOU!
Funding for this project is provided by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.
