The BelRed Arts District was first designated as an arts village as part of the 2009 BelRed Land Use Code Update that has facilitated BelRed's transition from a light-industrial and commercial area into a mixed-use, urban district. The original designation was a point on a map near 136th Avenue Northeast and Spring Boulevard, the original location of the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Francia Russell Center.
BelRed has a wide array of arts organizations, businesses, artists and makers working across the district. The City of Bellevue is committed to further envisioning the arts district and building on past studies and outreach to cement the district within Bellevue's changing urban fabric.
The BelRed Arts District is undergoing significant changes. We're bringing attention to the district and helping the community shape its future. Below is a list of projects, plans and resources to learn more about these efforts and how to stay involved.
BelRed Arts District Community Alliance
In May of 2023, passionate community volunteer organizers, artists and art advocates founded the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance (also known as the BelRed Arts District), a grassroots community-led nonprofit organization. Their heartfelt commitment to the arts district is to rally, organize and carry out their mission that unifies, empowers and inspires our community through arts, culture and innovation as the BelRed Arts District continues to evolve.
As community amplifiers, the Alliance seeks to reveal, increase visibility and establish cohesion and shared identity by bringing more synergy and inspiration to the district. They invite and welcome partnerships and collaborations at all levels and are pleased to be supported by the City of Bellevue, artists, arts and culture organizations, and others in the area. They believe in the power of arts, culture and innovation to build community and to positively elevate and improve the quality of life, community and the world in which we live.
Public Art in BelRed
BelRed Mural Program
In the summer of 2023, the BelRed Mural program will breathe new life into BelRed Arts District, infusing the neighborhood with vibrant colors, compelling narratives, and awe-inspiring imagery. The Arts Commission has carefully selected a group of talented local artists with unique styles and perspectives who will paint their stories on walls centered around NE Spring Boulevard and 132nd Ave NE in the heart of the Art District.
Be part of the experience as these talented individuals wield their brushes, turning mundane surfaces into living, breathing masterpieces. Witness the evolution of each mural, from conception to completion, as the district's walls come alive with energy and creativity.
Our Mural Program is not just about art; it's about building community and fostering a connection between artists, businesses and residents. Engage in conversations with the artists, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind their work. Together, we will create a space that reflects our art district's diversity, spirit, and identity.
Utility Box Wraps
This program is a multi-year project to cover utility and signal boxes in Bellevue. The program began by covering utility boxes in BelRed with artworks from local Eastside-based artists. Learn more about the Box Wraps program here // Lean more about Public Art in BelRed here
Plans and Studies
Arts District Implementation Plan
In 2022, the city hired consultant Ambergris Project to build off the 4Culture Creative Consultancies Project and create a five-year implementation plan. This plan will utilize policies and research compiled to date to bring the arts district to life. Read the full report here
4Culture Creative Consultancies Project
With a generous grant from 4Culture in 2020, the City of Bellevue hired artist Katie Miller to help research and conduct outreach for the BelRed Arts District. Miller studied the BelRed area, other arts districts and developed a series of research areas that resulted in a report. This report also included results from stakeholder outreach and a survey that collected vital feedback from residents, community members, and stakeholders. These findings will help guide the City in creating an Action Plan that will respond to the needs and create a vision for the district's future. Read the full report here
Additional Studies and Research
The BelRed Arts District has been heavily studied and researched by both the City and other organizations over the past twenty years.
2017 Artspace Preliminary Feasibility Study
2022 Artspace Arts Market Study
2022 Artspace Creative Space Needs Survey - Technical Report