North Transfer Station Public Art Commission

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), is seeking an artist or artist team to design and build a permanent artwork for the North Transfer Station located at 1350 North 34th Street in Seattle, WA. The artwork will be integrated into the new facility during Phase II of the project. The station is located in a residential area near the dividing line between the neighborhoods of Fremont and Wallingford, close to businesses and the Burke Gilman Trail. The station serves an average of 400 to 600 customers per day and over 1,000 customers on peak days. There is particular interest in creating artwork visible to those waiting in line or in locations visible to customers and people passing by in the neighborhood. Artists also have the option to create artwork utilizing reclaimed materials.

Twenty (20) established professional artists working nationally have been invited to participate. The selected artist will work with SPU and its design team to incorporate art at the new facility. The artist is anticipated to start working with the project team during 0-30% design in January 2013, initially contracted for concept design to develop a proposal in spring/summer 2013. Upon acceptance of the proposal, the artist will be contracted for design development, engineering, fabrication, and installation. The North Transfer Station is scheduled to reach final design in fall 2013, with construction anticipated to start in early 2014. The total commission is $390,000, inclusive of all costs for design, production, taxes, materials, fabrication, installation, and artist fees.

Applications must include twenty (20) artwork images, a letter of interest (not to exceed 2,000 characters) with specific reference to the artist's interests and expertise in site-specific artwork and ability to collaborate with the community and design team, resume, image identification list, and three professional references. Selection criteria include quality of design and craftsmanship of past artworks, experience creating and implementing site-specific artwork, proven ability to collaborate in design teams with design professionals and community stakeholders, and demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. The selection process occurs in two parts: a panel of arts professionals, client representatives, and community members will review materials and select up to four artists to interview. One artist will be selected for the commission. Artists will be notified of the selection panel's decision by January 2013.