Call Description

BACKGROUND

More than 40 years ago, the citizens and leaders of Kent recognized that the arts are a significant part of the quality of life, growth, and vitality of a community. The mission of the Kent Arts Commission is to provide leadership in establishing cultural opportunities and arts education; to improve the quality of life and enhance the aesthetic environment; and to promote Kent as a center for great arts. Over its 40‐year history, the Commission has provided Kent residents access to the region’s best performing, visual and literary arts.

OPPORTUNITY

An Awards Panel will award a total of $10,000 to one or more artists to receive The City Art Purchase Award. This panel will also choose between 6-8 artists to receive the 2026 Kent Arts Commission Centennial Center Gallery Exhibit Award. Artists are eligible to receive multiple awards.

 All participating artists and their guests will be invited to the Summer Art Exhibit Reception Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (6:00-7:30 pm).

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

The Kent Summer Art Exhibit will be juried by the Exhibition Panel, which will be composed of regional arts professionals. The Exhibition Panel’s selection criterion is guided by the values of the Kent Arts Commission. Exhibition selection will be based foremost on artistic merit. The Exhibition Panel may also seek artworks offering a variety of media; compelling themes; representing cultural or ethnic diversity; and is suitable for public display. Kent residents and first-time applicants are encouraged to apply.

The City Art Purchase Awards and Kent Arts Commission Exhibit Awards will be selected by the Awards Panel. They will consider all artworks in the Kent Summer Art Exhibit for an award. The Award Panel will be comprised of some Exhibition Panelists, a Kent City Councilmember, a Kent Arts Commissioner, and a Kent City Employee. They will purchase up to $10,000 worth of artwork for the City’s portable public art collection, and up to four artists will be awarded exhibits in the Gallery. The awards will be posted at the opening reception. The Awards Panel’s selection criterion is also guided by the values of the Kent Arts Commission. Awards will be based foremost on artistic merit and may also seek artworks from established and emerging artists; in a variety of media and themes; representing cultural or ethnic diversity; and are of appropriate scale and suitable for public display.

EXHIBITION REQUIREMENTS

EXHIBITION READY: Work must be framed or otherwise ready for display. Works on canvas may be unframed. All works must be protected from incidental damage and wired or have backing to hang on a hook. Any work that can be safely displayed upon our gallery's walls will be considered. Very heavy artwork that needs to be secured to a wall stud cannot be accepted.

FOR SALE: Work must be for sale. To help cover exhibit costs, the City of Kent charges a 25% commission on work sold to the general public during the Kent Summer Art Exhibit. The price will be calculated based upon the amount listed on the label, which should include tax.

SELECTED ARTWORKS: Artists are expected to exhibit the artwork selected. If the selected artwork sells prior to exhibition, please notify the City of Kent Parts, Recreation & Community Service.

DELIVERY: Delivery and handling of artwork is the responsibility of the artist. Most artists choose to drop‐off and pick‐up their artwork in person. Artists may ship their work to the gallery but should plan to arrange for pick‐up of their artwork after the show ends.

The City of Kent provides insurance for artworks while on display at the Centennial Center Gallery in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.110.020.

2025 SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

-Deadline: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:59 PM (PT)

-Exhibit Jury: April

-Notification of Acceptance: by April 25th

-Exhibit Agreement Due: before Wednesday, May 7th

-Artwork Delivery: Friday, May 30th (or earlier by appointment)

-Exhibition Dates: June 4th – August 21st    

-Opening Reception & Awards: Wednesday, June 4th (6:00-7:30 pm)

-Artwork Pick Up: Friday, August 22nd (or later by appointment)

Application Requirements

DESCRIPTION OF INTEREST — Short narrative explaining interest in the exhibition and general artistic approach.

IMAGES — Limited to ten (10) images of artworks that are currently available for exhibit and purchase. Brief description of each image, detailing title of artwork, medium, date artwork was completed, size of exhibition ready work, and sale price including sales tax.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to Artists residing in Washington State. Kent residents and first-time applicants are encouraged to apply.