Georgetown Steam Plant Graphic Novel Commission

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with Seattle City Light, will commission one artist or artist team to research, write, and illustrate a graphic novel about the history and significance of the Georgetown Steam Plant, a National Historic Landmark located at 6605 13th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. The selected artist/artist team will develop a historical fictionalized narrative that illustrates the role and importance of this 1906 power plant.

The Georgetown Steam Plant is significant for its intact original equipment, representing achievements in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering design; industrial architecture and early use of reinforced concrete at massive scale; a "fast track" construction method developed by lead engineer Frank B. Gilbreth; and innovation in turbine generator design. It is a rare surviving example of when electricity became part of everyday life and provides a backdrop for exploring early electrification, technological innovation, power provider competition, street lighting and electric transportation development, and the social, economic, and environmental forces driving industry and urbanization.

This call is open to professional writers, artists, and illustrators residing in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia. Experienced published graphic artists and cartoonists are encouraged to apply. Students are not eligible. If applying as an artist team, one member must meet the residency requirement. The graphic novel should be written and illustrated for all-age appropriateness with a teen and older reading audience in mind, with an anticipated length of approximately 200 pages. The artist will maintain copyright to the work; the City of Seattle will have licensing and distribution rights to distribute free of charge to area schools, libraries, museums, nonprofits, and relevant professional organizations, as well as electronic distribution through Seattle Public Library, Seattle City Light, and/or ARTS. The project budget includes $20,000 designated for printing 1,000 copies. The deadline for applications is 11 p.m. PDT, Tuesday, August 15, 2017.