Kirkland Fire Station 26 Public Art Commission

The City of Kirkland is seeking a qualified artist for a public art commission in the new Fire Station 26, to be installed in December 2024. This public art commission is funded by the City of Kirkland's 1% for Art program, which is assessed on qualified capital improvement projects undertaken by the city. The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission (KCAC) together with City staff curates and advises the City Council on public art acquisitions and loans.

The art commission will honor the fire department history and promote a bright future with themes of hope, resiliency, positivity, and inclusivity. Visual elements will strive to 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 selected artist should plan to install the commission in December 2024.

The project budget is $50,000 total, inclusive of artist fees, materials, insurance, fabrication, on-site installation, travel, and Washington State sales/use tax (10.2%). Funding will be paid in phases after a City of Kirkland Service Agreement is signed. The art must be low maintenance with primer coat and anti-graffiti coating, weather, vandal and graffiti resistant, and suitable for public viewing by all ages. Applicants must submit 5-10 images of relevant past work, resume or CV, a 150-word project approach statement, and two references. The selection process includes two phases: preliminary submissions evaluated on quality, creativity, community relevance, and technical sophistication; and finalists awarded a stipend to create site-specific project concept designs. Finalists must be prepared to present concept designs virtually. Previous public art experience is not required. Questions should be submitted by July 25, 2023 to [email protected].