Kirkland Fire Station 21 Public Art Commission

The City of Kirkland is seeking a qualified artist for a public art commission in the new Fire Station 21, funded by the city's 1% for Art program. The selected artwork will be installed in December 2024. The Fire Station Art Steering Committee, consisting of the art consultant, project team representatives, the Kirkland Fire Department, the City Manager's Office, and the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, will select the artist.

The art commission will honor the fire department's history and promote a bright future with themes of hope, resiliency, positivity, and inclusivity. Visual elements should reinforce 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 artwork must be low maintenance, suitable for public viewing by all ages, and resistant to weather, vandalism, and graffiti.

The selection process includes two phases. Phase one evaluates preliminary submissions based on quality and craftsmanship of past works, creativity of approach, relevance to and familiarity with the Kirkland community, and visual and technical sophistication. Phase two includes finalists who will receive a stipend to create site-specific project concept designs. Finalists must be prepared to present their designs virtually. The project budget is $50,000 total, inclusive of artist fees, materials, insurance, fabrication, on-site installation, travel, and Washington State sales/use tax. Applicants must submit five to ten images of relevant 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 July 25, 2023, to [email protected]. Finalists will be announced September 7, 2023, with concept designs due October 2, 2023.