Bellwether Sculpture Exhibition 2016: Confluence

Bellwether 2016: Confluence will feature sculpture work in Downtown Bellevue inside Bellevue City Hall, along the Pedestrian Corridor, and in the Downtown Park. Artwork will be sited along the route of the ¾ mile long future permanent Art Walk.

The exhibition theme, Confluence, refers to the coming together of ideas and people. All entries regardless of theme are welcome. Artwork will be reviewed in three categories: Indoor artworks (18 works), Outdoor artworks (5 works), and Temporary/Site-Specific artworks (7 works). Indoor and Outdoor artworks are existing or proposed works that could be sold in their same form at the exhibition's end. Temporary/Site-Specific artworks must be dismantled after the exhibition and are intended to be made specifically for this exhibition; insurance is not available for these works. Artwork along the Pedestrian Corridor is required to be site-specific. Indoor artworks will be located in Bellevue City Hall with free installation services and insurance provided. Outdoor artworks will be located in the 20-acre Downtown Park and should be sturdy and able to withstand typical urban park use; installation and insurance are provided.

Sculptures and proposals will be selected based on artistic quality, with entries aligning with the exhibition theme receiving preferred consideration. A panel of regionally and nationally recognized arts professionals will create a shortlist, followed by City review for technical feasibility and public safety. Honorariums will be provided: $1,000 for Outdoor and Temporary/Site-Specific works, and $300 for Indoor artwork. Up to $500 per artwork is available for qualified travel and shipping expenses, with additional reimbursement available on a case-by-case basis. Each artist may enter up to three sculptures or proposals. Each artwork must be no more than five years old. Entries should feature three separate views and include a brief statement identifying the preferred category. A resume (5 pages or less) with full name, email, artist website, and primary phone number is required. Entries are due November 8, 2015. Notification of selection will be December 13, 2015. Artwork delivery and installation will occur June 8-22, 2016, with the opening celebration on June 24, 2016. Artwork pickup and removal will be October 17-20, 2016.