City of Seattle: 23rd Avenue Improvements Public Art Commission

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), seeks an artist or artist team to develop site-specific artwork for the 23rd Avenue sidewalk and roadway improvement project. The selected artist will work with SDOT and SDOT consultants from design through construction of the new roadway and right-of-way structures. During the design phase, a group of community representatives convened by the Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Planning and Development will inform the process.

The artist will develop permanent public art for the 23rd Avenue improvement project, treating the corridor as a unified experience with areas of focus around Union Street, Cherry Street, and Jackson Street. Artwork should be sited between East John Street and South Jackson Street. The conceptual framework should investigate place, including historically relevant narratives of the neighborhood and its changing demographics, as well as geography, topography, and environment. Art strategies should transform the right-of-way environment through integrated artwork in the ground plane and/or vertical streetscape elements that could function as street furniture. Artwork must be durable and consider maintenance impacts; painted murals and paint treatments are not appropriate. The selected artist will travel to Seattle several times to meet with community stakeholders and project staff. Design work will begin immediately after selection and coincide with the SDOT design process.

The total project budget is $200,000, all-inclusive of travel expenses, taxes, and other project costs. Contracting occurs in two phases: design and engineering for $30,000 and fabrication and installation for $170,000. Current Washington state sales/use tax rates apply to all contracts. Applicants must be professional artists residing in the United States with essential experience in public process and community engagement. Artists may apply as a team. Students are not eligible. Applications must include 16 artwork images, letter of interest, resume, image identification list, and references. Selection criteria include documented community-engaged practice, demonstrated public art commission experience, strength of concept and design, ability to produce durable outdoor art, proven collaboration skills, and ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision by email in January 2014.