The following letter was recently sent to the Seattle city government by supporters of artist Joan Rudd. An article about the destruction of Joan’s art recently appeared in the Seattle Times and can be read here:
March 7, 2010
Ruri Yampolsky
Mayor’s Office for Arts and Cultural Affairs
City of Seattle
Dear Ms. Yampolsky,
We, the undersigned would like to register a protest with you and your office regarding the summary destruction, without prior notification to the artist, of three of the four murals on bus shelters in NE Seattle depicting Yiddish culture.
Hopefully, Seattle recognizes the economic and social value of cultural pluralism. Also hopefully, both City and County will recognize their responsibility towards artists and art preservation in preventing acts of cultural “vandalism”.
The artist, Joan Rudd (as well as artists responsible for other murals) should be notified by METRO/King County of plans for refurbishing bus shelters currently painted with murals, and allowed to reclaim and/or relocate the artwork.
The inclusion of ethnic artists in the fabric of the city enriches the community and contributes to the unique quality of life in Seattle. The history of each of the city’s neighborhoods needs to be preserved through conservation of its public art.
Protesting the Destruction of Yiddish Culture Featured On Four Metro Bus Shelters In Seattle
Mar 22nd, 2010 by ModeratorJT
Posted in Comment & Critique