First Hill Streetcar - Artist Commission

The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs seeks a professional artist to develop site-integrated artwork for the new First Hill Streetcar. The selected artist will work with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and design consultants from the early stages of design through construction of the new streetcar line, which is scheduled to begin operating in late 2013.

The First Hill Streetcar will connect Capitol Hill, First Hill, and the Chinatown/International District, serving medical centers and colleges. The artist's approach may include a combination of artworks and design enhancements integrated during construction. The design should include reproducible or repeating elements that contribute to the overall identity of the streetcar line. Space for artwork on platforms is extremely limited; free-standing sculpture is not appropriate. Possible art opportunities may include treatments for platform surfaces, platform lighting, trackways, adjacent sidewalks, poles and other structures. Artists with experience in both art and design are well-suited for this project.

The total project budget is $600,000, with contracting in three phases: $7,500 for concept design, $77,500 for final design and engineering, and $515,000 for fabrication and installation. Applicants must submit 16 artwork images, a letter of interest (not exceeding 2,000 characters), resume, image identification list, and references. The artist will be selected based on quality of past work, ability to produce durable outdoor art, proven collaboration skills, and demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision by email in late April 2010. This call is open to professional artists residing in the United States; students are not eligible.