Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool - Public Art Commission

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Seattle Parks & Recreation, seeks an artist or artist team to develop a permanent site-specific art project for the Rainier Beach Community Center, located at 8825 Rainier Ave. South. The selected artist will create a bold, durable three-dimensional artwork within proximity of the main entry areas, or develop art to be integrated into the facility. The artwork should respond to the cultural and economic diversity of the Rainier Beach community and serve as a beacon that establishes the community center as a welcoming gathering place. It should be visible and recognizable as art to vehicular traffic along Rainier Avenue South and provide visual interest to pedestrians and visitors.

The artist or team will conduct interactive events, such as art workshops, with members of the Rainier Beach community during the design phase. Applicants should have specific skills in media including metal, glass, stone, concrete, ceramic, wood, light, new media, surface treatment, sustainable design, or environmental design. The selected artist should understand architectural plans and have experience working cooperatively with design professionals, city staff, and community members, as well as proven ability to fabricate their own work or work with fabricators and installers.

The selected artist will receive a commission of $180,000, inclusive of all costs to design, fabricate, and install artwork as well as conduct interactive events. The artist will first receive a contract for $30,000 to design the artwork, followed by a contract of $150,000 for fabrication and installation. Eligibility is open to established professional artists living in the United States; no students are eligible. Application requirements include sixteen artwork images, a letter of interest (not to exceed 2,000 characters), resume, image identification list, and references. Selection will be based on strength of past artworks, experience working in public settings, experience fabricating and installing permanent artwork, and demonstrated interest in sustainability.