The City of Covington, Washington (City) announces a Call for Artists Entry for its Rotating Public Art Program. Selected public art pieces are to be loaned to the City and temporarily installed at Covington Community Park. A total of two pieces of public art will be selected for two separate locations at the park. 

 The City seeks unique art pieces complimentary to the park with the idea of creative placemaking. The City is searching for well-qualified, professional, and emerging 3D artists residing in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) to submit entries.

Theme

While there is no requisite theme, works that incorporate elemental themes of earth, water and air, the colors of which are currently part of City branding, are encouraged.

Specifications

1.       Entries are limited to existing art pieces. Art pieces not yet completed will not be accepted.

2.       Art pieces may be in any media and must be durable, suitable for outdoors, and able to withstand the elements and interaction with the general public.

3.       Size envelope requirements:

• The art envelope requirement is 8 feet wide by 5 feet deep by 18 feet tall. Artists are free to either propose art that falls within these parameters or stretches this envelope, but remains aesthetically suitable and practical for this installation location.
• The maximum weight of the installed art piece shall not exceed 5,000 lbs.

4.       Art anchorage requirements: upon request.

5.       Delivery and installation: Delivery and installation is the responsibility of the artist. Up to $1,500 stipend available to underwrite costs with itemized summary and support receipts.

Schedule

The following schedule contains major milestones and may be modified at the discretion of the City.

May 26, 2023.................................. Issue Call for Artist Entry

July 7, 2023.................................... Submission deadline – 10:59 PM PST

July 13, 2023.................................. Arts Commission completes the initial review of submissions and selects art pieces for final presentations (in-person or remote)

July 20, 2023.................................. Final presentations to Arts Commission (in-person or remote)

August 9, 2023................................ Recommendations presented to City Council for approval

TBD 2023........................................ Execute Rotating Art Program Agreement, art pieces delivered, and 
art pieces installed

Application Requirements

Entry Submissions

Artists may submit up to three (3) art pieces for consideration. Respondents’ entries must be submitted through CaFE™ (www.callforentry.org) and include all requested information, including the following:

1.       Artist name, the point of contact name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, website, and social media (if any). If submitting as a team, each member shall be identified along with a singular main contact.

2.       A resume or curriculum vitae for each artist involved (maximum of 1 page per artist).

3.       A statement of interest (maximum of 2 pages).

a.       Describe each art piece in terms of concept, design, materials, construction, durability, safety, maintenance requirements, valuation, purchase price (if applicable), past exhibitions (locations and dates), etc.

b.       Address how each art piece resonates with the Theme section.

c.       Address how each art piece meets the requirements of the Specifications section.

d.       Address the ability to adhere to Schedule section. If unable to adhere to the schedule, propose an alternate schedule along with the rationale for why it should be considered.

4.       Each proposed art piece shall include three to five (3-5) digital images (digital photos) from different views (e.g. front, back, side, etc.).

a.       All digital image file names shall include artist or team name, proposal #, image #, view (front, back, side, etc.).

5.       Annotated list of digital images including artist or team name, proposal #, image #, view (front, back, side, etc.), title, and brief description.

 Applications must be submitted online by 10:59 PM PST Friday, July 7, 2023. Early submission is recommended to avoid any last-minute challenges with online submission process.

Eligibility Criteria

Review of entries and selection of art pieces will be based on the following criteria:

·         Artistic merit and strength of art piece

·         Contributes to aesthetic of Covington Community Park

·         Completeness of entry as noted in Entry Submission section

·         Ability to deliver art piece according to the project schedule

·         Art pieces must be appropriate for viewing by all age groups and viewing in a public space

The City of Covington Arts Commission shall serve as the selection committee. The Arts Commission will review artist’s submissions. Per the initial review, selected artists will be invited to present their art piece proposal in person (or virtually) to the Arts Commission. After which, the Arts Commission will submit their recommendations to the Covington City Council for final approval.