University Bridge Lighting Artist Residency

The Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), seeks a lighting artist(s) to be in residence in the southeast tower on the University Bridge. Using the University Bridge as headquarters, the selected artist(s) will explore three historic bridges—the University, Fremont, and Ballard bridges—to inform a conceptual lighting design. The artist(s) will work closely with SDOT staff and engineers to create a concept sketch and cost estimates for future lighting on the three bridges. Currently, funding is not in place for lighting implementation, but should additional funding be secured, the artist may later be commissioned to create light-based work.

The residency includes access to a work space in the southeast tower of the University Bridge, furnished with a desk, chair, overhead lights, and windows. Artists cannot live in the tower but may use the space as a studio for creating a lighting concept sketch, a platform for observing the bridges and their surroundings, or as a base for interacting with SDOT and surrounding communities. The residency will run from September through November 2016 and includes an ongoing public component such as a blog or social media posts, in addition to several community engagement events. The artist-in-residence must carry commercial general liability insurance for the duration of the residency.

The residency culminates in a concept sketch, scope, and cost estimates for a lighting plan deliverable to SDOT. The artist will also provide high-quality documentation of the project for inclusion in the Municipal Art Collection, which could be in the form of a video/DVD, artist's book, print materials, or other appropriate forms. The call is open to established professional artists living in Seattle or within 100 miles of Seattle. Students are not eligible. The project budget is $15,000 USD ($5,000 for residency, $10,000 for concept, scope, and cost estimates), inclusive of all residency costs, documentation, applicable taxes, and development of the lighting plan. Applications must include a letter of interest (not to exceed 2,000 characters), sixteen images of past artworks, an optional video sample (maximum three minutes total), work sample description, a résumé (no longer than two pages), and three professional references.