Apply to Public Art Programs

*Applications for Spaceworks Public Art Programs are not currently open. To stay informed on Spaceworks opportunities, sign up for the Spaceworks Newsletter


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APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Spaceworks Tacoma is seeking visual artists and visual artist teams from the Pacific Northwest who:
– Can develop a site responsive, temporary, public art display.
– Can successfully and fully activate a public space that is visible 24/7.
– Is an experienced artist seeking a unique location to exhibit artwork.
– Can create an enticing destination-quality visual display for passersby.

SPACEWORKS PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION
Spaceworks Public Art Programs temporarily places 2D, 3-dimensional, mural, multi-media art installations, and film in storefront windows, outdoor spaces, and an outdoor video gallery in the city of Tacoma. The program offers an artist stipend (approx. $1000 for Woolworth Window installations, $300-$1500 rapid murals) to support the creation of new work and site-specific projects, or the installation of existing work. Since launching in 2010, Spaceworks has commissioned over 150 art installations. Click here to view the current Artscapes on display.

ELIGIBILITY
– Any individual artist or artist team in the Pacific Northwest may apply.

EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
Spaceworks represents diverse people, voices, and perspectives, and provides fair access to creative economic opportunities. It is our goal to build programs and services that reflect the diversity of Tacoma.

SELECTION PANEL
Applications are reviewed by a panel of artists, arts professionals, members of the Spaceworks Steering Committee, representatives of neighborhood groups, and/or commercial property owners. Spaceworks staff will lead the panel, but do not vote in the selection process.

SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection panelists are asked to base their decisions using the following criteria:
– Overall aesthetic quality of art submitted in work samples.
– Ingenuity in concept of art submitted in work samples.
– Ability to create work that would engage passers-by.
– Ability to implement unique display methods of art.

PROCESS
Phase One
– Submit application.
– Applications are reviewed by the selection panel.
– Applicants notified of results in late September 2023. Selected artists move on to phase two.

Phase Two
– Artists work with Spaceworks staff to identify a space and schedule of their display.
– Artists are asked to submit a brief proposal for a specific project, in a specific space. The proposal will then be reviewed by Spaceworks staff.
– Once the proposal is approved, artist moves to phase three.

Phase Three
– Artist receives contract, and begins installation on assigned date.
– Artist provides ongoing maintenance as needed during the duration of the display.
– Artist completes de-installation on assigned date.

SELECTED PARTICIPANTS MUST AGREE TO
– Enter into an agreement with Spaceworks Tacoma regarding the terms of use.
– Be willing to uninstall the piece earlier than planned or give up the space if the property owner finds a permanent tenant within the negotiated timeframe.
– Install and de-install your own work.
– Understand that they may have limited access to their space, as required for installation and de-installations.
– Partner with Spaceworks Tacoma to market and promote events and activities.
– Comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
– Leave the space in the same or better condition when they move out.
– Understand that initial payment is made within 30 days after installation upon receipt of an invoice, and that payments cannot be made until contracts have been fully processed. A portion of payment is retained until deinstallation is complete.

*Spaces vary in size and amenities. Keep in mind that some spaces can be raw and windows may have active “For Lease” signs, which cannot be moved. Most Woolworth Window displays are on view 24/7 for at least 3 months, which can be hard on materials, and electronics.

*Acceptance into the Spaceworks’ Artscapes program is not a guarantee that you will be placed in a space. We can only place as many projects as we have available spaces, and it can be difficult to place all of the projects we would like. Spaceworks reserves the right to pair selected artists with spaces at its discretion.

READY TO APPLY

The application system will allow you to save your work, and continue whenever you want. If you have any problems with the online application please contact us.

QUESTIONS
Contact:
Jasmine Brown
Public Art Coordinator
jasmineb@tacomachamber.org
253.682.1735