We Are Still Here - Public Art in the Central Area

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are seeking an artist or artist team to create a permanent artwork that honors the history and current experience of the Black, African American community in the Central Area through the idea that water connects us to history, place, and our freedom. The artwork will be sited on the retaining wall located at 23rd Avenue S and S Massachusetts Street. The design will reflect community engagement that has taken place and future input from the Central Area community. The artwork can be based in painting, printmaking, photography, collage, or any other 2D artistic media.

The selected artist or artist team will receive a $20,000 commission to design the artwork. ARTS will hire a fabricator to reproduce the artwork into permanent, durable materials, and the artist will work with ARTS and the contracted fabricator to determine materials. ARTS will manage installation, and the artist will consult on site during installation.

This call is open to professional artists living in the United States. Artists must explain their connection to Seattle's Central Area neighborhood. Students are not eligible. Application requirements include a letter of interest or video/audio statement (not to exceed 1.5 minutes), bio, three references, and 8 to 16 work sample images with descriptions. Selection will be based on quality of concept and craftsmanship, visual and technical sophistication, creativity, relevance of statement and connection to the Central Area community, ability to work with community, and experience with previous art projects. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision by email by early February 2019.