Background

The East Hill North Community Park site is a beautiful and unique property that provides an opportunity for community members to connect with nature without traveling far outside of the city limits. The property’s long, central ridge line meadow is grounded by forest and wetlands on either side, framing views towards the Cascade foothills and Mt. Rainier. With wetland surrounding it and unincorporated King County land along the Soos Creek corridor to the east, the areas around the site will remain wild and mostly undeveloped into the future.

Visitors who currently use the park often witness a variety of wildlife, which is supported by the range of habitats found across the property. The setting of meadows, forests, wetlands, and farmland gives visitors a sense of escape from the urban environment – the park is a true respite and an incredible resource just a ten-minute drive from downtown Kent.

Kent’s Parks Planning and Development division has developed a master plan informed by public engagement and voices of the Kent community. The artist will coordinate their work with Site Workshop Landscape Architecture, and artwork should complement the environment and views.

Selection Process

This selection process will consist of two rounds. In the first round, interested artists will apply by submitting a statement of interest, resume/qualifications, and images of past work examples. An artist selection panel comprised of art and design professionals and community representatives will review all eligible applicant materials received from this open call. The panel will select three finalists to create proposals.

In the second round, the three finalists will each be paid $1,000 to attend a required orientation, prepare a proposal, and present the proposal to a final selection panel. Each finalist’s proposal will include 1) A written narrative explaining the artist’s intention for the work, 2) visual renderings of the proposed artwork, and 3) a budget that demonstrates allocation of the commission award. From the Round 2 presentations, one artist will be chosen to complete the project.

Selection Criteria

• Complete qualifications submitted prior to the application deadline.
• The Artist’s body of work reflects artistic excellent, innovation, and originality.
• The Artists’ work is appropriate to the goals and locations of the project.
• The Artist has adequate professional experience to meet the demands of the project, including a combination of: Education and training as an Artist; an exhibition record in museums, galleries, and/or non-profit art spaces; previous public or private commissions; or other related activities indicative of a professional art practice.
• Ability to meet project deadlines and to perform work in a timely and professional manner.

Application Requirements

All Artists are required to submit their qualification in the format specified below by January 31, 2024, 10:59 p.m. (PST) Qualification materials include:

1. Statement of interest: A short narrative explaining interest in the project and general artistic approach.

2. Images: Limited to ten (10) images of previous work.

3. Annotated image list: Provide a brief description of each image, detailing the titles, date, media, and dimensions of artwork.

4. Resume: Limited to two (2) pages. Demonstrate professional history and skills, or experience as a professional working Artist.

5. Professional references: Limited to one (1) page. Provide three (3) references, including name, organization/title, phone number, and email.

* Only qualifications submitted through CaFE will be reviewed.

Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred in preparing or responding to this request for qualifications. All materials and documents submitted become the property of the City and will not be returned.

Qualifications will not be accepted after the TBD, 10:59 p.m. (PST) deadline.

For questions about the opportunity, email Ronda Billerbeck: rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov

Eligibility Criteria

This call is open to both emerging and established professional, practicing Artists residing in Washington state. Kent and South King County based artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be 18 years or older. (Applicants cannot be an employee, council member, or commissioner of the City of Kent.)