Kirkland Fire Station 22 Public Art Commission

The City of Kirkland is seeking a qualified artist for a public art commission in the new Fire Station 22, funded by the city's 1% for Art program. The selected artwork will be installed in March 2023. The Fire Station Art Steering Committee, composed of members of the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, the art consultant, city staff, and project team members, will make the selection.

The art commission will honor the fire department's history and promote a bright future with themes of hope, resiliency, positivity, and inclusivity. 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 if selected. The project budget is $35,000–$50,000 total, inclusive of artist fees, materials, insurance, fabrication, installation, travel, and Washington State sales/use tax. 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 may be submitted in writing to [email protected] 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.