About Art in Olympia Storefronts

Art in Olympia Storefronts is an ongoing OAA program that commissions artists to create a series of temporary art installations in the four vacant storefront windows at the Goldberg building (on the corner of 4th and Capitol in downtown Olympia). We open calls for art three times a year for this program (two open calls to artists in Thurston County and one for teacher/student installations).

Selected artist proposals receive a $500 stipend for their installation as well as a reception and promotion of their work. Our program manager Mariella Luz supports artists throughout the process.

Goals of the Storefronts Program

• Activate vacant and/or underutilized spaces downtown

• Provide high quality exhibition and paid opportunities for our local artists and teachers

• Create opportunities for students and youth to engage in the arts and share their work

• Increase public access to professional art

• Encourage community connection and conversation

Applying for a Storefronts cycle? Here are tips for preparing your proposal.

Proposals are selected through a community-led jury process. We particularly seek work that is innovative and that will capture the attention of people walking through the streets of downtown Olympia.

We accept all 2D and 3D visual media in proposals, including video.

Proposed installations may consist of existing and/or new works. We prioritize proposals that respond to the space and the scale of the site. Also please note that content must be suitable for the general public, so explicit sexual or violent imagery of profanity will not be accepted.

All materials and labor required for installations are the responsibility of the artist/teacher. This includes hanging, hardware, curtains or temporary walls, tools and any other materials/equipment required to install the artwork. We ask that you comply with OAA safety protocols.

Artists/teachers are also 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.

What information is required?

• Your contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email, website/social media links

• Your artist/work statement (~ 200 words) describing your vision for the proposal, design elements, and how it will be displayed.

• A sketch or diagram of your installation

• Images of the work for the installation, or work you have created in a similar style

• Please indicate if you have a preferred site (see below for window options)

We encourage you to visit the site before submitting your proposal. This will enhance your understanding of the windows and their scale (reach out if you would like a tour!).

Our Selection Criteria

Each round of proposals are reviewed by a panel of community jurors who use 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

Exploring the potential of downtown Olympia with temporary exhibitions that are meant to help us all see new possibilities in familiar locations.

Have questions about the application? Read our frequently asked questions below or contact our staff at info@olympiaartspace.com.