2024 Call for Artists!

Deadline for Applications is April 26, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Budget: $500 – $1,000 per artwork, all inclusive 

The City of Tukwila is kicking off its 2024 Utility Box Art Program. We are seeking artists to create artwork for this year’s program. This program supports the vitality and attractiveness of the city, as well as local artists.

What artists need to know:  

• This opportunity is open to artists working in all mediums so long as the final artwork can be successfully translated to a digital file for print so it can be converted to vinyl wrap.
• The city will be responsible for printing and installing the vinyl art on the utility boxes.
• Artists will receive a budget of up to $1000.
• Artists will be given artwork credit on the box.
• Learn more about the program from last year’s selected artists.
• Artists who would like assistance applying can join the Virtual Meeting Q&A for Prospective Artists on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• In addition to individual questions, the workshop will cover questions regarding application content, and access to a computer or internet to apply.
• To receive a Microsoft Teams invitation, email Michael May at TukwilaArts@tukwilawa.gov.
• Artists not selected to create artwork in 2024 will also be considered for inclusion in the City of Tukwila Public Art Roster for future projects.

Eligibility requirements:  

• Applicants must be a professional artist and must live in King County.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and not a full-time student.
• Community groups or student groups can apply if the principal applicant and point of contact is a professional artist committed to leading the group project through to completion.
• Applicants cannot be a member of the Tukwila Arts Commission or an employee of the City of Tukwila.

If you are selected:  

• Artists selected will be required to attend an orientation meeting where they will be provided with additional information on the process and expectations for creating a successful utility box artwork.
• Artists will develop a proposal including a concept sketch and written description for review and may receive requests for revision before final approval.
• Artists will be expected to participate in a video and photo shoot to document the completed artwork and give a brief interview about their utility box art.

Wrap Design Guidelines:  

• Designs must be appropriate for display in public spaces and viewing by the general public.
• Designs must engage all sides of the box.
• Designs must not have been previously used for utility box art in King County.

2024 Utility Box Program Timeline :  

• April 16, Tuesday: Virtual Meeting Application Assistance for Prospective Artists, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• April 26, Friday: Deadline for application submissions, due by 5 p.m.
• May 13, Monday: Notification of artist selection
• May 21, Tuesday: Virtual orientation meeting for selected artists
• June 7: Artwork Proposal due for review
• July 12: Final design due as digital file
• July/August: Wrap production and installation

Questions:

• Contact Michael May at TukwilaArts@tukwilawa.gov 

Submission Process:  

Please submit the following four items by email to TukwilaArts@TukwilaWA.gov:

• Include Wrap followed by your Name in the subject line.
• We suggest sending items 1, 2, and 4 as PDF documents.
• Word documents are also acceptable.
• Emails over 10 MB in size may need to be sent in multiple messages.
• Please do not send zip files.

1. Short Written Responses: 

Submit responses to the following questions, in one page or less (combined):

• Include artist’s name, address, phone, email address and date of birth listed clearly at the top of the document.
• Name the file with the applicant’s Last Name, underscore, Responses
• Example: Smith_Responses

Questions to be answered:

• How will your artwork and imagery translate successfully to this form of art?
• How will your artwork take into consideration multiple types of viewers – pedestrians, motorists, cyclists.
• What themes or inspiration inform your artwork?  Indicate specific work samples that you have included as part of this application which are representative of the artwork you envision for this opportunity. If the work you intend to create for this opportunity differs from the work samples you have provided, clearly explain how it differs.

2. Professional Resume 

• Resume should not exceed two pages and should include: artist’s name, address, phone, email address.
• List most recent public art and/or art experience first.
• Name the file with applicant’s Last Name, underscore, Resume.
• Example: Smith_Resume

3. Work Samples 

Up to 10 digital images of the artist’s completed work.

• Submit JPEG files only (do not use GIF, TIFF, or other formats).
• File dimensions should be 2050 pixels on the longest side, 72 ppi – 300ppi, maximum 5MB per file.
• There are free programs for resize images online – email for assistance if needed.
• Files must be titled with a number indicating the viewing order, followed by the applicant’s name.
• The numbers must correspond to the Work Sample Description Sheet
• Use a “0” in front of single digit numbers and use only letters, numbers, and underscores.
• Example: jpg; 02_Smith.jpg
• If possible, your work samples should present artwork that is representative of the artwork you intend to propose for the design concept for this project.
• Artists may use up to two images to present concept sketches, but this is NOT a requirement and will NOT give artists any additional advantage.
• This is intended to be an optional, additional tool for communicating clearly what you intend to do for this project.

4. Work Sample Description Sheet

• Include Name in the upper left corner of every page.
• Images numbered and listed in the order in which they are to be viewed, include:
• Title of artwork
• Medium
• Dimensions (H” x W” x D”)
• Year work was completed
• Location (City, State. Neighborhood), if applicable
• Brief description of artwork (3 sentences maximum)
• Name the file with applicant’s Last Name, underscore, WorkSamples
• Example: Smith_WorkSamples

Example of a typical traffic signal box (exact dimension and locations of selected boxes will vary)

Questions & Answers from April 16th Virtual Meeting Q&A for Prospective Artists

How are applications reviewed?

A different jury reviews applications each year. Applicant images are numbered and viewed first. Written materials and individuals’ information are viewed second.

What are the project commitments?

Participating artists will be expected to attend a virtual orientation meeting, submit an artwork proposal for approval, provide a print-ready digital file of the completed artwork, participate in a final review/proofing process to go to print, be photographed with the completed artwork and give a brief interview about the artwork.

Is there any additional support provided by the City of Tukwila?

The City is committed to supporting artists and lowering barriers for participation in this opportunity. Artists will be provided with a template of the exact print dimensions, the City and vinyl vendor will provide technical support as needed, the City will provide professional documentation to create high-quality vinyl art print files if needed and is open to assisting in other ways.

How big is a utility box?

A single artwork location may be one box or a cluster of boxes and the sizes vary. See photos of past participating artists with their utility box artwork to get a better idea of the range. The stipend amount is determined based on the size and complexity of the assigned location.