2023 Kent Downtown Mural Project

The Kent Arts Commission, in partnership with the Kent Downtown Partnership, invites artists to submit qualifications to create original artwork designs for the Kent Downtown Mural Project. Two artists will be selected to create murals for two locations in Kent's historic downtown: the exterior east wall of the building at 403 W. Meeker Street (approximately 14 feet x 20 feet) and the exterior east wall of the building at 314 West Meeker Street (approximately 12 feet x 40 feet).

Artists working in two-dimensional media, including painting, photography, graphic design, printmaking, and drawing, are invited to apply. The artwork should add color and vibrancy to the site and may include representational or abstract elements. Content can be inspired by the locations, reference the culture, people, or histories of the region, or feature unique and eye-catching imagery. Artwork will be reproduced on a vinyl wrap and mounted on ¼" ACM panels. Each mural will remain on view for approximately two years.

Two selected artists will each receive $5,000 compensation for the artist fee, final artwork design, digital file preparation, and applicable WA sales/use tax. The budget does not include printing and installation, which will be coordinated and covered by the City of Kent Arts Commission. Finalists will be compensated a flat fee of $500 to develop their proposals. An Artist Selection Panel will evaluate qualifications, short-list up to five finalists, and conduct interviews. Finalists will develop detailed proposals including narrative explanations and sketches or digital illustrations. The panel will recommend two artists to the Kent Arts Commission. Applicants must be professional, practicing artists residing in Washington state. Previous public art experience is not required. Kent and South King County based artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Application deadline: March 31, 2023, 11:59 p.m. MST. Selected artists will be under contract by June 2023, with final work due July 31, 2023, and anticipated fabrication and installation in August-September 2023.