Seeking Proposals for Artwork Installations, “Things I’ve Discovered…”
Seeking Proposals for Artwork Installations
Applications are due on March 6, 2023 - One application per artist or artist team.
Olympia Artspace Alliance is seeking proposals from artists and artist teams to develop site-responsive, temporary, 2-dimensional and/or 3-dimensional art installations related to the theme “Things I’ve Discovered…”. The artwork will be installed in vacant storefront windows in downtown Olympia, April-July 2023.
Project Summary
“Art in Olympia Storefronts” is a project of the Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) to create a series of temporary art installations in vacant storefront windows in downtown Olympia. The project is made possible with the support of Olympia Federal Savings and with funding from Olympia Downtown Alliance, Olympia Grants to Arts and Cultural Organizations, the City of Olympia/PBIA, ArtsWA/the Washington State Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and donations from individuals and local businesses.
Project Goals
Activate vacant and/or underutilized spaces downtown
Provide high-quality exhibition opportunities to local artists
Increase public access to professional art
Encourage creative activity throughout our community.
Installation Information
“Things I’ve Discovered…” is the theme for our Spring 2023 exhibition – We invite artists to reflect on our shared experience of the last three years by proposing artwork that explores stories of beauty, hope, love and loss. Proposals will be selected through a jury process. We particularly seek work that is innovative and that will capture the attention of people walking through the streets of downtown Olympia.
All 2D and 3D visual media are accepted, including video.
Proposed installations may consist of existing or new works. Preference will be given to artwork that responds to the space and the scale of the site.
Content must be suitable for the general public. No profanity, or explicitly sexual or violent imagery will be accepted.
OAA provides black backdrops, lighting, and electric power strips. All other materials and labor required for installations are the responsibility of the artist. This includes hanging, hardware, curtains or temporary walls, tools and any other materials/equipment required to install the artwork. Artists will be expected to comply with OAA safety protocols.
Artists are responsible for maintaining their work for the duration of the installation and may be asked to repair their work if necessary and requested by OAA.
Submitting Your Proposal
Please email the Storefronts Manager (storefronts@olympiaartspace.org) the following information:
Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email
A statement (limit 200 words) describing your vision for the project, design elements, and how it will be displayed.
A rough sketch or diagram of your preferred site. (see below for options)
We suggest you visit the site before submitting your proposal. This will enhance your understanding of the windows and their scale (reach out if you want a tour).
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed and selected using the following criteria:
Overall aesthetic quality and ingenuity of proposed installation.
Ability to create a temporary public installation on scale with the architecture and site.
Appropriateness of work for the general public and site.
Evidence that the proposed project is feasible.
Timeline
Deadline to submit proposals: Monday, March 6 by 9 am (extended from the original date of Thursday, March 2, 2023, by 9 am).
Notification: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Once your proposal is accepted and approved: We will schedule a meeting the week of March 20th to sign contracts and dispense your first payment, as well as give you more detailed information about the site and materials available for your use.
Installation: April 1st - April 8th
Completed installations in place: April 10th, 2023
Conditions
Stipend: $500
Selected artists will receive $500 in two installments: $350 upon signing the contract and the remainder upon removal and clean-up of installation space at the end of the installation.
Contracts with selected artists will grant the property owner, ODA and OAA the right to reproduce and distribute images of the artwork in connection with marketing the Arts in Olympia Storefront Project.
Participation in this project is done at the artist’s own risk. Property owner, ODA and OAA will not be held responsible for loss, theft or damage, including breakage, of displayed work.
Artists will be expected to comply with OAA safety protocols.
Artists, and their volunteers, are responsible for installing the work. OAA Storefront Manager and Board Members will be available for some assistance if necessary.
Goldberg Building
Four sites are available at The Goldberg Building, 403 Capitol Way. OAA anticipates selecting one proposal for each of the four sites. Overhead lighting and electric power are available for each window, and each window has a black backdrop. Note that the building can be damp.
A- 3 Windows to the left of main doors
B- Corner 6 windows
C- West end- 2 large(er) windows
D- West end- 2 small(er) windows (WE MAY TAKE OUT THIS WINDOW FOR ARTISTS IF WE GET A WRITER
Non Discrimination
Olympia Artspace Alliance does not discriminate on the ground of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any disability.
Questions? Please call or email Storefronts Manager Erika Naficy or Board Member Lucy Gentry.
Erika’s Contact: storefronts@olympiaartspace.org (206) 280-9327
Lucy’s Contact: lucygentry@comcast.net (360) 561-3904
Partners and Sponsors of Olympia Artspace Alliance: Olympia Federal Savings, Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA),Olympia Grants to Arts and Cultural Organizations/PBIA, National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsWa, and donations from individuals and local businesses.