by Annette
8. March 2007
Target's tagline has it right. Art speaks. And it speaks to everyone. There is something magical about the ability art has to elevate humanity and societies throughout history have recognized the power of the artist in their midst. The power of the paintbrush is bigger than the power of the pen. Art teaches the language of common values.
And art brings value. As business is rapidly figuring out. Design is the reason why Apple's Mac is kicking Dell's butt. And the reason Microsoft had to scramble to create a copycat interface in Vista. Design is the reason RIM's Blackberry is trouncing Palm. Design is the reason Target sources volume from Wal-Mart.
Seattle is engaged in a great civil war about art - or better said, the lack of it. We have an elevated roadway the lines the downtown bayside called the Viaduct. It is simply ugly. The Viaduct currently needs to be replaced (before another earthquake pancakes it). It's either the tunnel option - complete with revitalized shoreline - or another elevated view-blocking roadway. Read more about the issue from Todd Vogel in the Seattle Times.
Washington State officials need to understand the incremental value of art, in the form of public works projects like the tunnel, that increase tourism, provide beauty for all and teach us the value of preserving the design of nature.
