Seattle Center Presents THE NEXT FIFTY Arts Installations, 4/21-10/21

Numerous visual and performance art projects are slated for installation on the grounds of Seattle Center during The Next Fifty. Tied thematically to the six months of the World's Fair 50th anniversary celebration, the installations are intended to spark the imagination, provoke reflection, delight the spirit, and enhance the visitor experience. The projects will be on view throughout the 74-acre campus at various times between Apr 21 to Oct 21, 2012.

In keeping with the intent of the 1962 World's Fair, arts, culture and design tie together the six months. For the Next 50, history also continues through the celebration. The individual months focus on key areas of regional leadership and development, including: Sustainable Futures, Apr 21 – May 31; Science and Technology, Jun; Global Health, Jul; Learning, Aug; Commerce and the Innovation Economy, Sep; and Civic Action, Oct. Here is an overview of Next 50 arts projects:

Arts, Culture and Design selected Projects

To celebrate the legacy of the 1962 World's Fair, a national arts call was issued in June 2011 challenging creators to illuminate today's challenges and imagine tomorrow's possibilities. From a recipient pool of over 200 proposals submitted from across the United States, a jury selected 20+ temporary visual, performing, literary, and media art projects. The jury evaluated proposals according to principles outlined in the call, choosing those with elements that were transformational, inclusive, and engaging, looking for submissions that would creatively engage the public in a variety of locations, viewpoints and timeframes. Attached are details on the projects and their placement at Seattle Center.

Seattle office of arts & cultural affairs 1% for art projects

A variety of temporary artworks highlighting environmental sustainability will be on view during Sustainable Futures month, Apr 21 – May 31. Sponsored by City of Seattle departments through the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs 1% for Art program, the pieces serve to highlight water-land connections, energy use, and alternative transportation. Attached are details on the projects and their location. An "Arts and Sustainability" panel discussion with Adam Frank, Mandy Greer and Stacy Levy will be part of the Next 50 Earth Day Celebration 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Apr22, Seattle Center Armory/Center House, Conference Room H.

Looking Forward: The New Heroes

Large, dynamic black and white images and a video by photographer David Freeman explore young visionaries, between the ages of 17 and 30, who are making a difference in the world applying innovative solutions to create a better society. Apr 21 – Oct 21, International Fountain Pavilion.

Seattle Center Foundation heads up the World's Fair 50th anniversary celebration, working with 19 volunteer committees to plan the events and activities, cultivating partnerships to enable the programming and capital development, and reaching out to the region to ensure broad community participation.

The organizers of the World's Fair left the legacy of Seattle Center to allow for a place in the core of our region for public gatherings, arts cultivation and family activities. In keeping with their vision, The Next Fifty challenges our community to engage in the critical discussions of our day, essential celebrations, and inspiring presentations. For more information on The Next Fifty and Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

Since its beginning 50 years ago, Seattle Center has served as a cultural and civic gathering place at the core of our region. In 2012, The Next Fifty at Seattle Center celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair and the physical legacy it left. The 74-acre Seattle Center campus, home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations presenting nearly 5,000 events annually, exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring together our rich and varied community. The 12 million visits to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.

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