Chief Sealth Trail Public Art Commission

The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation, seeks an artist to create a three-dimensional permanent outdoor artwork for the Chief Sealth Trail. This opportunity is open to established professional artists residing in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.

The selected artist/artist team will create artwork that marks the Chief Sealth Trail where it crosses Beacon Avenue South in Beacon Hill. The artwork will enliven the streetscape and visually mark the location of the trail for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The site is limited to the expansive median on Beacon Avenue South near the intersection with Dawson Street, which is 25 feet wide with a pedestrian walkway down the center. The artist will work with staff from the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, SDOT and members of the local community during the design phase. The timeline for Phase II of the Chief Sealth Trail construction is summer 2010, with completion expected by the end of 2010. The selected artist will develop designs for artwork to be installed after the construction of the trail.

Budget: $50,000 all inclusive. Application deadline: March 16, 2010, 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants must submit 16 artwork images, a letter of interest (not to exceed 2,000 characters), resume, three references with contact information, and an image identification list with title, date, media, and description for each artwork. Selection criteria include strength and artistic merit of past artworks, experience working in public settings, experience fabricating and installing permanent artwork, and ability to complete the project on time and within budget. The selection process occurs in two phases: a selection panel will review applications and select up to four finalists, then interview finalists to select one artist/artist team. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision by email.