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Archived social media presents a unique view of our recent history.
Today we'll look at the City-created cultural space, ARTS
at King Street Station, from inception to its inaugural exhibition
as captured through the City's social media archive posts.
King Street Station on Jackson Street between 3rd and 4th,
has been a part of the City's history since it opened in 1906.
It was designed by the same architects as New York's Grand Central Station.
The clock tower was modeled after the San Marco Bell Tower in Venice.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973,
it had undergone alterations and neglect by the time
the City bought it, for a tidy sum of $10 from BNSF Railway.
Posted by the Seattle Department of Transportation on Flickr,
we see a photo of the official check signing on March 5th, 2008.
A large scale renovation project turned the station into a modern
transit hub and restored the building's historic character.
SDOT posted regular updates on the renovations,
including this video tour of the construction in 2010.
Finding that the old offices on the upper floor were no longer needed,
they could be put to a new use.
The Office of Arts and Culture
began using the third floor space for art exhibitions and events.
Live episodes of Art Zone with Nancy Guppy were filmed there.
The space worked well.
In 2016, the Office of Arts and Culture, along with the Department
of Transportation and the Office of Economic Development, posted
that they were “transforming King Street Station into a hub for arts and culture.”
The City reached out through public listening sessions, focus groups,
and surveys to create a space that meets the community's needs.
Here is a post advertising an Arts Aboard meeting on August 10th, 2016.
[train bell clanging]
They even posted a
request for ideas for the Seattle Sketcher to sketch out.
When feedback came in from the community, we saw that they wanted a space
that had racial equity and inclusion; art that reflected the city;
that it strengthen Seattle's creative economy by supporting artists;
and having community ownership that promoted accessibility.
So ARTS at King Street Station was dedicated to increasing
opportunities for communities of color to present work.
Social media posts went out with invitations.
The Office of Arts and Culture posted behind the scenes
looks with unpacking and building installations.
And Seattle Channel videos of the grand opening, including speakers and performances.
Nancy Guppy posted,
“Don't walk, but run to King Street Station's inaugural exhibition.”
Search for more ARTS at King Street Station events and exhibitions
on the City's social media archive: seattle.gov.archivesocial.com.
Find out more about the Archives at seattle.gov/cityarchives.
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