OlyCAP 7th Haven Arts Public Art Commission

OlyCAP is seeking artists or artist teams to develop permanent artworks for the 7th Haven affordable housing project located at 1351 7th Street, Port Townsend, WA. The project is under construction and will open in early 2023, providing 43 new rental apartments for low-income residents. OlyCAP is looking for emerging and established artists to create site-specific artworks that beautify and enliven the project and streetscape. Selected artists will create highly visible artworks that enhance resident and neighbor/visitor relations to the project.

Up to three artists will be selected to design and develop small-scale artworks for two locations: SE building corner walls and plaza at the Community Room entry, and apartment and childcare public entries on 7th and Hendricks Streets. At the second location, OlyCAP has a preference for work that includes local and/or resident children in creating art elements (such as tiles) to be part of the final installation. Artworks must be permanently attached and secured to prevent theft and vandalism, require no structural modifications to the building, and must not exceed 20 psf of façade weight or extend more than 6 inches from the exterior wall. Anchors into concrete walls must be embedded no more than 5 inches deep.

Each artist selected to develop a concept proposal will receive a $1,500 stipend. The artwork budget for each location is $25,000-$30,000, which includes all supplies, materials, Washington State Sales Tax (9.1%), and supervision of installation. Artists will receive 50% of the total commission upon acceptance of the final proposal and 50% after installation, photo documentation, maintenance plan, and project summary are delivered. Installation will be coordinated in early 2023 upon project completion.

Applicants must be professional artists and Washington State residents; students are not eligible. BIPOC artists are encouraged to apply. Submit a letter of interest (not to exceed 300 words or 90 seconds), biographical statement (not to exceed 200 words or 60 seconds), three references with contact information, and up to eight work sample images. Video or audio statements may be submitted in place of written letter of interest and biographical statement.