Förfäder Mural

Beneath the West Seattle Bridge, where concrete and steel meet, the Fördäder Mural bursts into life. It wasn’t always this vibrant. In October, this drab underpass transformed into a canvas of color. The Fördäder Mural celebrates Seattle’s history as a welcoming community for refugees. “Fördäder” is Swedish for ancestors. This mural honors those who came before and those who continue to seek refuge in this city. Commissioned by USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the Fördäder Mural is a testament to collaboration. Artolution, a non-profit arts organization, partnered with Urban Artworks and the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell to bring this project to life. Local muralists, kids, and neighbors added their own brushstrokes, sharing their visions of a welcoming community. The mural captures the essence of Seattle. Families embrace, the iconic skyline rises, and the region’s Indigenous people are honored. Even a neighbor’s dog, a regular on the underpass, is immortalized in the artwork. For Nahom Ghirmay, a Seattle artist and immigrant from Eritrea, public art like the Fördäder Mural democratizes access to creative expression. It brings art to those who may not frequent galleries or museums. Joclyn Oats, the lead teaching artist, connects with the project’s message of finding home in new communities. The mural became a symbol of connection and belonging. The Fördäder Mural stands as a colorful beacon of hope and welcome, a vibrant reminder of Seattle’s commitment to refugees. It’s a part of something bigger, a voice representing Seattle’s compassionate spirit to the world.