Making Space for Creativity & Culture in Downtown Bremerton
- Emily Ferrer
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Creativity and culture have always lived in Downtown Bremerton—woven into our streets, our stories, and the people who have shaped this place for generations. What’s changing now is not the story, but the momentum behind it. As the Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA) deepens its work revitalizing the downtown core and cultivating connection, we are entering a moment where shared spaces like Quincy Square can bring long-held histories into clearer view—making them more visible, accessible, and celebrated.
The DBA is committed to partnering and collaborating with organizations, artists, and community leaders to bring creativity and culture to downtown spaces—not by speaking for the community, but by creating space with the community. We believe downtown should feel alive, welcoming, and reflective of the people who shape it. That belief guides how we advocate for our public spaces, cultivate connection, and how we show up as partners.
Quincy Square is a Living Cultural Space
Quincy Square is envisioned as a cultural hub not only honoring Black history and culture in Bremerton but serving as a true third place where everyone can find belonging outside of home and work. It is a space for gathering, learning, creating, and connecting.
Here’s how creativity and culture are showing up in Quincy Square today:
Art Tells Our Stories
Public art anchors Quincy Square as a place of storytelling and reflection. These works invite pause and curiosity, spark conversation, and remind us that art in public space is both deeply personal and unmistakably communal.
At the east end of the Square, on the Washington Street Parking Garage, you’ll find a bright and unapologetic mural honoring not only Quincy Jones, the square’s namesake, but also several local Black community leaders who lived in and helped transform Bremerton. Designed and primarily painted by artist KaDavien Baylor, who was selected by the Bremerton Arts Commission, the mural celebrates legacy, leadership, and creative impact.
🎥 Learn more about the mural and its meaning, watch this video!
At the west end of the Square, at the Pacific Avenue cross-section, visitors can interact with a larger-than-life bust of Quincy Jones. Designed and crafted by San Diego artists James Dinh and Michael Stutz, the sculpture carries three distinct meanings:
Interlacing bronze ribbons represent how Quincy Jones brought together people, cultures, and musical styles
The pedestal chronicles his life through photographs
The sculpture also allows visitors to climb inside and peer out through Quincy’s eyes
Quincy Square also features beautiful interpretive signage that is free and available to everyone, inviting you to slow down and engage with the space. Come walk the street and learn about:
The history of the neighborhood and its cultural roots
Stories of Black leadership, resilience, and community in Bremerton
The evolution of downtown as a place of gathering and exchange
Music Tells Our Stories
Free, permanent musical instruments are available in Quincy Square for kids and adults alike, encouraging spontaneous play, experimentation, and shared joy. Try your hand at the Pagoda Bells, Hand Drums, Xylophone, and Colossus Chimes. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to begin.
This whole space is an open invitation for creative expression. At the heart of Quincy Square is the permanent bandstand. When programmed, the band stand hosts performances and community events. When not in use, the hope is that buskers and local creatives will step in—sharing their music, talent, and stories with the community.
Collaboration at the Center of Our Work
The Downtown Bremerton Association is honored to partner with the City of Bremerton as the managers of Quincy Square. Together, our goal is not simply to curate events or revitalize downtown on our own but rather to deeply collaborate with community leaders to elevate local voices.
“Downtown Bremerton is the intersection of Art, Connections, and Heritage–where everyone can find their community.” -Downtown Bremerton Association Vision Statement
Some early and meaningful steps include:
Bremerton Black Market — The DBA is proud to be sponsoring Bremerton’s very own Black Market! This new market is presented by Mike Barnet and creates space for Black-owned businesses, makers, and creatives to gather, sell, and be celebrated. Learn more about what to expect!
Juneteenth Celebration — Collaborating with DocLuvTheKids to bring a Juneteenth experience rooted in joy, history, and collective pride. One that honors the past while celebrating the present. More details here.
Community Guidance — Inviting and valuing the insights of community leaders as we manage Quincy Square and advocate for downtown businesses as a collaborative organization.
These partnerships are not checkboxes for the Downtown Bremerton Association. They are relationships that we’re building and are part of a longer commitment to shared leadership and community-driven placemaking.
A Living Ecosystem
A thriving ecosystem is measured by how diverse it is, and diversity has always lived in Bremerton. Quincy Square’s revitalization is not a finish line but rather a catalyst. As Quincy Square comes alive, it sends ripples outward, energizing our downtown’s core, inspiring new ideas, and helping set an upward trajectory for the heart of downtown. What remains constant is the hope at the center of this work: that when creativity is given room to breathe, spirits lift, and a stronger, more connected Downtown Bremerton follows.
Get Involved: Ways to Engage Downtown
Building a thriving cultural ecosystem requires participation and there are numerous interactive ways to get involved:
Join Team Bremerton: Lend your skills and energy to special projects that shape downtown spaces and programming.
Bring Your Gathering to Quincy Square: Quincy Square is available for community events, performances, celebrations, and moments of connection. If you have an idea that brings people together, we want to help make it happen. 👉 Learn more about hosting your event in Quincy Square: [https://www.quincy-square.com/host-an-event]
Simply Show Up: Whether you’re shopping, taking a stroll, grabbing a bite, or coming to an event, you’re supporting our downtown community. Meet Us in the Square!
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