Storefronts Seattle: Artists Residencies 2012

The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and Storefronts Seattle seek artists for artist residencies in vacant storefronts in various Seattle neighborhoods, including Pioneer Square, the Chinatown/International District, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union and Rainier Beach. Artist residencies offer artists of any discipline the space to pursue new projects. Residencies are approximately three months in duration, with a possible extension dependent on space availability and number of applicants. The residencies will take place throughout 2012 and into 2013. Residency spaces are not open to the general public and do not house public events (such as performances or exhibits) although regular "open houses" are encouraged, as is a general engagement with the community.

Examples of possible residency uses include meeting and/or organizing space, space to create work, and practice and/or rehearsal space. Uses that engage the street visually and activate the space regularly will be more competitive. Residencies can also be paired with projects from the Storefronts installations program.

Individual artists, arts groups, or arts businesses may apply. Arts groups are not required to have 501(c)3 status. Selected participants will receive access to a vacant space with no occupancy fee. The Storefronts program will pay all reasonable utility fees and liability insurance. Selected participants must enter into an agreement with Storefronts Seattle regarding terms of use, be willing to give up the space if the property owner finds a permanent tenant, present high quality artwork and/or service activity, partner with Storefronts to market and promote open houses and activities, and comply with all federal, state and local laws. Applicants will be selected based on innovation, impact on the artist's work, benefit to the community, appropriateness for the public realm, strength of proposal, and artistic quality. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by late March 2012.