Join Historic Seattle and Friends of Inscape on Tuesday, February 13 at 12 noon to show some love to the former INS Building and raise awareness for this significant community gathering place in the Chinatown-International District!
What’s a Heart Bomb?!
A heart bomb is a public display of affection for places that matter. Every February, people across the country gather at historic sites and local landmarks (both safe and threatened!) to snap a photo with their valentines. Sharing the photos on social media raises awareness of these special places and why they matter to their local communities. Share your own photos using #heartbombSEA and #IHeartSavingPlaces.
And don’t forget to tag Historic Seattle in your #heartbomb pictures so we can share your wonderful heart bombs on our Instagram and Facebook!
Why the INS Building?
Short for Immigration & Naturalization Service, the former INS Building served as Seattle’s detention and processing center for immigrants from 1932 until 2004. In 2008, a group of investors purchased the building and set this historic place on a new course: one of “Culture, Arts, Preservation, and Engagement”. The property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and located within the International Special Review District.
Now known as Inscape Arts and Cultural Center, this place matters not only for the complex histories it contains but also as an example of how art and community can be the impetus for both recognizing the difficult past and supporting culture and creative space.
How do I participate?
Step 1: Get your creative juices flowing and create a valentine card for the INS Building!
Step 2: Arrive at the Inscape Arts and Cultural Center at 12 Noon on Tuesday February 13 with your valentine. For inspiration, check out some of our past heart bomb activities around Seattle via this slideshow.
Step 3: Say “cheese” with your fellow Heart Bombers for a picture with our valentines in front of the former INS Building. Be sure to wear your rain coat in the event that there is rain! The picture will be taken outside, at the exterior of the building.
Logistics
This program will be brief, only lasting as long as it takes to take a good picture. Please plan to arrive by 12noon at the front entrance to the former INS Building. While we encourage everyone to bring a valentine, don’t worry if you don’t have one! We will bring a few extras.