2021 Kent Traffic Signal Control Box Art Wraps

The City of Kent Arts Commission, in partnership with the Public Works Department, seeks artists to design artwork to cover traffic signal controller cabinets. This cross-departmental partnership is intended to curb graffiti and create a visually dynamic and interesting environment in Kent by incorporating artwork on city traffic controller cabinets. Artwork will be fabricated onto vinyl wraps and installed on eight selected cabinets.

This call is open to professional and emerging visual artists residing in Washington State, working in any medium, so long as the final artwork can be translated and digitally reproduced on a two-dimensional vinyl wrap. Eight artists will be chosen to create one design each that wraps the four sides of a cabinet. Artists will provide fabrication-ready designs; the City of Kent will coordinate and cover the cost of fabrication and installation. Each selected artist will receive an artistic fee of $1,000 inclusive of design, research, travel, and applicable WA sales/use tax.

Artists should create designs based on traffic controller cabinet specifications and locations to be provided. Designs that provide color and vibrancy and are representative of elements of the Kent community are encouraged. An Artist Selection Panel will evaluate submitted qualifications and select eight artists. Each artist will develop an original artwork proposal to present to the Kent Arts Commission for final review, including a narrative explanation of the concept and sketches, renderings, or digital illustrations. Selection criteria include quality of past work, suitability of work for traffic controller cabinet locations, and desire and capacity to consider Kent's unique community, history, and character.

Qualification materials must be submitted by April 16, 2021, 10:59 p.m. PT and include: Artist's Statement (one page), ten images of previous work, annotated image list (two pages), resume (two pages), and professional references (one page with three references). Artists will be notified approximately May 7, 2021. For questions, email [email protected].