City of Seattle Sidewalk Development Program Artwork Commission

The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), seeks an artist or artist team to develop and fabricate a single artwork design to inlay at 10 to 15 new sidewalk locations throughout Seattle. The selected artist will design and develop a series of inlays that can be incorporated into new sidewalks throughout the city. After developing a single design, the artist will fabricate the inlays as an edition which will be sited at various locations. The artworks will draw the attention of pedestrians through beauty, surprise, humor or wit, and will enliven the pedestrian environment by introducing an element of the unexpected into the everyday sidewalk.

The selected artist may consider different options for materials for the sidewalk. The artwork must be designed so that it can be easily installed by SDOT crews or contractors during the process of sidewalk construction. The inlays must be designed to be easily incorporated into the standard SDOT sidewalk scoring pattern of 2-foot squares. Design considerations include ensuring that sidewalk artwork is durable, slip resistant, free of trip hazards, and complies with ADA and SDOT requirements. The selected artist will receive a commission of $30,000 all-inclusive to design and fabricate the artwork.

Eligibility: This call is open to artists residing in Washington. Application requirements include 16 artwork images, a letter of interest (not to exceed 2,000 characters), resume, and references. Selection criteria include artistic merit and quality in concept, design, and craftsmanship of past works; the ability to produce durable outdoor art; a proven ability to collaborate with design professionals and community stakeholders; and demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. The selection process takes place in two parts: a panel of arts professionals, SDOT representatives and community members will review applicants' materials and identify up to four artists to interview. Finalists will interview with the selection panel approximately two weeks later. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision by email in late September. Design and fabrication of inlays will occur fall and winter 2010-2011, with installation of inlays by SDOT in new sidewalks beginning summer 2011. Artworks created for this project are semi-permanent and may be removed during future sidewalk repairs.