The Pioneer Square BIA is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Inspiration Fund! 

In 2022, the Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area (BIA) granted a total of $10,000 in matches to support two projects making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. This year, the BIA is matching volunteer hours and/or funding up to $17,500 for community members to implement projects and programs making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Project goals included celebrating neighborhood diversity, enhancing public spaces, and neighborhood storytelling.

With the increase in financial support, this year the BIA is granting matching funds to support a total of four projects that align with these goals and are making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Our 2023 Inspiration Fund award recipients are as follows:

• A restoration project led by local artist Aubrey Birdwell will rebuild a neighborhood public art piece featuring six new artists. Originally constructed in 2014, Natural Movement is a free, kinetic sculpture and installation in Nord alley created from bicycle wheels and painted aluminum disk-canvasses. Some of the local artists currently represented in the collaborative installation are Darya Husak, Danielle Blackwell, DK Pan, Feleisha Cannalora, Baldman Watching, NKO, Sign Savant, Smurf and Baso Fibonacci, and Aubrey Birdwell. The installation was repaired and extended in 2018 but has deteriorated significantly due to increased vandalism. The project will conclude with two public opening events to activate Pioneer Square and Nord Alley this summer.

• Neighborhood Gallerist Fredrick Holmes will expand a monthly live music series held in Pioneer Square at Fredrick Holmes and Company Gallery, benefiting neighborhood businesses and local artists. Hot Jazz at the Gallery is a series of monthly live Jazz performances held at Fredrick Holmes and Company Gallery with top jazz musicians and vocalists in the Pacific Northwest. Currently once a month, the series will expand to two nights a month. The performances not only support the local arts community but also encourage the public to have a positive cultural experience in Pioneer Square.

• The Exploded View, a free group art exhibition led by neighborhood gallerist Jane Richlovsky and local artist Dawn Endean will create a compelling art experience for Pioneer Square neighbors, visitors, and art lovers attending the 2023 Seattle Art Fair. The exhibit will both educate the general public, and also make a significant contribution to the contemporary art conversation by showcasing a diverse group of Northwest artists who use innovative materials and techniques to transform traditional printmaking techniques into sculpture, immersive installation, video, or augmented reality. It will also feature 16 exhibiting artists, with Urban Visions Seattle providing the exhibit space for The Exploded View in their new waterfront development, The Jack.

• The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market by neighborhood artist Lloyd Gregory will promote arts participation and community relations through meaningful and unique experiences. This one-day event features 40 vendors, live music, food and drink, and activities for all ages. The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market will take place in Occidental Square this summer on Saturday, June 10th. It will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the arts, as well as support local businesses and artists.

The Alliance will keep the community updated regrading these projects as they progress. Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients!

Be sure to keep an eye out for the 2024 Inspiration Fund application period next year.