Kirkland Artist Call: Fire Station 27 Public Art Commission

The City of Kirkland is seeking a qualified artist for a public art commission in the new Fire Station 27, funded by the city's 1% for Art program. The selected artist will create an art installation to be installed in May 2023.

The commission seeks an art installation that honors the people of the fire service and their commitment to community. The City wishes to honor the men and women who played a critical role protecting the health and safety of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging that the first US fatality of a COVID-positive person occurred at Evergreen Health, adjacent to the Fire Station 27 site. The art commission should promote themes of hope, resiliency, positivity, and inclusivity, with visual elements reinforcing the unconditional response and community support emblematic of fire department services. Key themes include: spirit of service, inclusive, accessible, historic, commemorative, luminous, cohesive, dynamic, hopeful, and relatable.

The project budget is $150,000–$180,000 total, inclusive of artist fees, materials, insurance, fabrication, on-site installation, travel, and Washington State sales/use tax. The selection process includes two phases: preliminary submissions evaluated on quality and craftsmanship, creativity, relevance to the Kirkland community, and visual and technical sophistication; and finalists who will receive a stipend to create site-specific project concept designs. Finalists must be prepared to present concept designs virtually. The art installation must be low maintenance, weather and vandal resistant, suitable for public viewing by all ages, and include anti-graffiti coating. Applicants must submit 5–10 images of past work, resume or CV, a 150-word project approach statement, and two references. Previous public art experience is not required. Questions are due by April 22, 2022. Finalists will be announced May 16, 2022, with concept designs due June 1, 2022, and the commission awarded July 8, 2022.