Call Detail
Kent Downtown Mural Project
Visit Organization Website
Contact Email: rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov

Entry Deadline: 1/8/21
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 5, Maximum:Max. 10
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 5, Maximum:Max. 10
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
State: Washington

CALL FOR ARTISTS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

 Downtown Mural Project, Kent, Washington

Artists are invited to submit qualifications to the Kent Arts Commission for consideration to create an original artwork design for the Kent Downtown Mural Project. Two artists will be chosen to create murals for two mural locations in Kent’s historic downtown.

Background

The Kent Arts Commission, in partnership with the Kent Downtown Partnership, seeks to place murals on two walls: 1) Exterior of the east wall of the building located at 403 W. Meeker Street (approximately 14 feet x 20 feet), and 2) Exterior of the east wall of the building located at 314 West Meeker Street (approximately12 feet x 40 feet).

Opportunity Description

There is an opportunity to commission two Artists working in two-dimensional media, including but not limited to painting, photography, graphic design, printmaking, and drawing, to create original artwork designs to be reproduced as large-scale murals on the two exterior walls described above. The artwork should add color and vibrancy to the site, and may include representational or abstract elements. Content can be inspired by the locations; reference the culture, people, or histories of the region; or simply feature unique and eye-catching imagery.

Artwork will be reproduced on a vinyl wrap and mounted on ¼” ACM panels attached to the buildings. (ACM is a lightweight composite material, consisting of two cover sheets and a fire-rated core.) Each mural will remain on view for approximately two years.

Eligibility

This call is open to both emerging and established professional, practicing Artists residing in Washington state and working in two-dimensional media. Previous public art experience is not required. Kent and South King County based artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scope of Work

Two Artists will be chosen from the pool of applicants to create one design each for one of the two walls. Artists will provide fabrication-ready designs; City of Kent Arts Commission will coordinate and cover the cost of fabrication and installation.

Budget

Two selected Artists will each be compensated in a total amount not to exceed $5,000 for the artist fee, final artwork design, digital file preparation, and applicable WA sales/use tax. The budget does not include printing and installation. Kent Arts Commission staff will facilitate reproduction of the artwork imagery by a separate contractor on durable material suitable for outdoor display. Finalists will be compensated a flat fee of $500 to develop their proposals.

Evaluation/Selection Process

An Artist Selection Panel established by the Kent Arts Commission and the Kent Downtown Partnership will evaluate submitted qualifications and short-list up to five Artist finalists. Finalists will develop and submit a detailed proposal. The panel will then evaluate proposals and interview finalists. The panel will recommend two Artists to the Kent Arts Commission.

Finalists will be asked to prepare a detailed proposal including a narrative explanation of the concept for the project; and sketches, renderings, or digital illustrations representing the Artist’s concept for the artwork the fairly depicts the design, color, and intent.

Selection Criteria

Ÿ Complete qualifications submitted prior to the application deadline.

Ÿ The Artist’s body of work reflects artistic excellent, innovation, and originality.

Ÿ The Artists’ work is appropriate to the goals and locations of the project.

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ Ability to meet project deadlines and to perform work in a timely and professional manner.

Timeline:

Application deadline: January 8, 2021, 11:59 MST 

Selection panel: Mid-January 2021

Short list complete and applicants notified by email: Late January 2021

Finalist interviews/proposal presentations: February 8-19, 2021

Approval of selected artists by Kent Arts Commission: March 10, 2021

Selected Artists under contract: March 2021

Artists submit final work for delivery to fabricator: April 30, 2021

Anticipated fabrication/installation: May-June 2021

To Apply

All Artists are required to submit their qualification in the format specified below by January 8, 2021, 5 p.m. Qualification materials include:

1. Letter of interest/Artist Statement: Limit to 1,000 characters, including 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: Limited to two (2) pages. 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 1/8/21, 11:59 p.m. MST deadline.

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

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria