REDMOND, WA – Last week, the City installed its second asphalt art piece in Downtown Redmond, bringing visibility to and symbolizing Redmond’s support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This new artistic interpretation of the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag is located at the crosswalk mid-block on Cleveland Street to welcome anyone living, working, or visiting Redmond into Downtown Park and all of the City’s public spaces.
Asphalt art is a growing national initiative that uses art and community engagement to improve street safety and revitalize public spaces.
The Redmond Arts and Culture Commission commissioned artist Jing Jing Wang to create new asphalt artwork at this location. Wang is an artist, Redmond resident, former Arts and Culture Commission Youth Advocate, and in their own words, a proud queer advocate. During Pride Month in June, the artist facilitated robust public outreach with the LGBTQIA+ community and used their feedback to create an inspiring welcoming experience. The crosswalk, like the flag that inspired it, was designed to create more inclusive spaces for all.
"Redmond is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for our entire community,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This newest asphalt art installation in the heart of Downtown is a creative opportunity to improve street safety, celebrate art, and link people to their city and each other.”
Community support for asphalt art inspired by rainbow crosswalks was the catalyst for the Arts and Culture Commission to add this item to their 2023 workplan. The artist was approved by the commission in May through a public selection process, which began with a public art call and a selection panel composed of artists and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The design was approved at the July commission meeting and then sent to be fabricated into thermoplast sheets, which were installed on Cleveland Street at the end of August.
For more information about the City’s asphalt art program, visit redmond.gov/1986.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christina Wilner, Communications and Marketing Project Administrator
cwilner@redmond.gov, 425-556-2457
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