11-04-2020 Sound Transit ArtLetter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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Policy Question:
Should the City of Federal
Way approve the draft letter
to Sound Transit regarding
the proposed artwork at the
Link Light Rail Station?
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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Dear Members of the Sound
Transit Board:
At our November 4, 2020, meeting,
with the concurrent approval of
the Mayor, the undersigned
members of the Federal Way City
Council voted unanimously to oppose the artwork
currently proposed for the Federal Way Light Link Rail
Station.
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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We collectively feel that this
image does not and should
not represent our community.
In essence, this image of a
dead tree, elephant, and bird
will make our city the subject
of ridicule and derision. We are a
growing community of nearly 100,000 people that is vital,
innovative, and where the sky is the limit, especially with the
addition of light rail.
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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We are now hearing valid concerns
about the image this artwork
represents from many of our
citizens and from prominent
members of our arts community.
Since this would be a major piece of
art, we strongly feel something
quite different would be more appropriate that represents
Federal Way, either currently or historically. We collectively
feel that this image does not and should not represent our
community.
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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We are well known in the region for
our history of encouraging and
celebrating the visual, literary, and
performing arts. This includes
giving artists the latitude to be
creative, within reason. This legacy
is very much on display in our
community, symbolized by individual, public, and private
arts installations, and efforts of our arts commission as well
as the investment in the Performing Arts and Event Center.
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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We are asking for artwork that
reflects our community and will be
a benefit for many years to come.
We welcome that light rail will bring
thousands of people to our city.
As this sculpture will be the center
piece at the entry point to our city, we insist that we have
artwork that will uplift the community, not diminish it.
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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Options:
(1)Approve the draft letter
(2) Disapprove the draft letter
(3) Ask staff to redraft the
letter based on discussion
The Mayor recommends Option One
Letter to Sound Transit opposing the proposed
artwork at the Federal Way Sound Transit
Link Light Rail Station
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Discussion and Questions