The City of Bellevue has contracted with Artspace, a national leader in building affordable developments for artists, to conduct a feasibility study. The organization is scheduled to visit next week as part of the preliminary process to explore how an affordable artist and organization-focused facility for Bellevue could be developed. Local artists, arts and cultural organizations, art lovers and interested residents are encouraged to attend an informational public meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE.
“The arts plays a key role in any thriving community and Bellevue residents have embraced the city’s reputation as the cultural hub of the Eastside,” said Scott MacDonald, an associate planner with the city’s Planning and Community Development Department. “Artspace’s feasibility study will give us a roadmap so we can continue to build on enthusiasm.”
In addition to its consultancy work, Artspace has 49 facilities in operation or development in 37 cities across the country. Four of these developments are local with three in Seattle and one in Everett. The developments offer a range of public benefits including community space, dance studios, music facilities, community galleries and commercial space.
In creating the feasibility study, the city is looking to build on strategies outlined in the draft Affordable Housing Strategy and leverage the economic and placemaking potential of the Bellevue arts scene. The final draft is expected to be delivered in approximately two months.
Interested individuals can learn more about the meeting by visiting the event’s Facebook Events page. Additional background on Bellevue’s affordable housing efforts and arts program can be found on the city’s website.
