Park Lane Outdoor Sculpture Gallery Call to Artists 2023-2025

The Park Lane Committee, comprised of members of the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission (KCAC) advised by City staff and other relevant stakeholders when appropriate, will make the selection for this call. The selection will be based on the evaluation of written submissions. The Park Lane Committee may also conduct an interview process; however, it reserves the right to select an artist based only on the evaluation of written submissions of work. All submissions and interviews will be evaluated based on the Scoring Rubric Criteria (below). The Park Lane Committee will present its recommendations to the full Kirkland Cultural Arts Committee for its approval, with the final approval provided by the Kirkland City Council.

The Park Lane Committee reserves the right not to select any submissions received from this call for artists. Submitting artist(s) should be prepared and available to present their submissions virtually during an interview process if so selected. Submitted artists must be able to meet the project timeline. 

There are six plinth locations sited along Park Lane in Kirkland, between Lake Street South and 3rd Street. Each plinth can support a single art work. Plinths have a mounting surface area of 18 inches x 20 inches. Proposed artwork should be compatible with these surface dimensions (PDF, 2MB)

Specific locations for specific artwork will be determined by members of the KCAC and City staff considering a number of factors. Please note that we cannot accept requests for specific plinth locations.

This call is for completed work.

Accepted Mediums:

Artists are welcome to submit examples of completed work that contemplate artwork in an array of sizes, types, and mediums. The medium(s) should be weatherproof and appropriate to outdoor display in the Pacific Northwest over a sustained period. The medium(s) should not pose any hazard to the public and be appropriate to securely display on the designated plinths along a very busy pedestrian and automotive thruway. Please only submit completed, existing sculptures. Artwork must not weight more than 1,000 lbs. 

Accepted Artwork Dimensions:

Plinths have a mounting surface area of 18 inches x 20 inches. Proposed artwork should be compatible with these surface dimensions (PDF, 2MB).

Plinth elevation details

Please refer to Park Lane Plinth Attachment Details(PDF, 208KB)(PDF, 218KB) for information and specifications about the plinths and the mounting and display of artwork on the plinths.

Required Application Materials

• Statement of interest (no longer than one page) describing why you should be considered for this opportunity, an explanation of your work’s concept and how the concept, vision, and proposed work address this specific call. 
• Two (2) to five (5) digital images of work samples that demonstrate the artists’ capabilities, approach, and style. Renderings or concept sketches specific to this art call are not required but may be submitted if desired.
• Brief artist’s biography, resume or curriculum vitae (CV).  

Additional Requirements: Accepted Artwork Dimensions

Plinths have a mounting surface area of 18 inches x 20 inches. Proposed artwork should be compatible with these surface dimensions (PDF, 2MB).

Plinth elevation details

Please refer to Park Lane Plinth Attachment Details(PDF, 208KB) for information and specifications about the plinths and the mounting and display of artwork on the plinths.

Artist Stipend
Awarded artists will be paid a total of $2,000 per selected sculpture, distributed in two installments during the two-year exhibit. Artists whose work is selected for more than one plinth will be paid the stipend for each plinth that displays their work(s).

For the awarded artist(s) to contract with the City of Kirkland for display of their work, the following documents are required:

• IRS Form W-9

• Certificate of Insurance for the duration of the project showing 1) Commercial General Liability for $1,000,000 each occurrence with the City named as an additional insured

• If artist(s) plans to drive their vehicle onto the work site (City property), the City will require proof of automobile liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million during the project.

• State of Washington Business License with City of Kirkland endorsement

*Selected artists are responsible for coordinating the installation and de-installation of their work (or works) with City staff. See an example of a SAMPLE Short-Term Display Agreement here(PDF, 116KB).

For questions and to request assistance to fulfill these requirements, please contact Carmine Anderson at cvanderson@kirklandwa.gov.

The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission (KCAC) uses a scoring rubric—based on City of Kirkland Public Art Policy Guidelines and funders’ intent—in its selection process.  The KCAC recommends selections to the Kirkland City Council for final approval based on the total points scored in these following categories:

1. Responsiveness to the Project Call: Supporting City’s Goals and Other Project Specifics—50 points.

How well does the submitted work respond to the specifics of the call, in terms of invigorating, inspiring, and energizing the Kirkland community; communicates Kirkland as a safe, inclusive, welcoming and belonging place; celebrates diversity and honor social and racial justice qualities; location (if applicable); and medium (if applicable)?

Scale: not competitive (1-9); fair (10-19); good (20-29); great (30-39); excellent (40-45); exceptional (46-50).

2. Overall Alignment with City of Kirkland Public Art Policy Guidelines – 20 points

Does the submitted work reflect Kirkland’s Public Art Vision to maintain a diverse public art collection that values and honors artistic endeavor and the creative process, recognizes the role of public art in a welcoming and inclusive community?

Scale: not competitive (1-2); fair (3-6); good (7-10); great (11-15); excellent (15-19); exceptional (20).

3. Artistic Merit – 20 points

How well does the submitted work show artistic value, including formal qualities, technical ability, durability of work to withstand two-year outdoor elements, engaging current or historical social or cultural themes, and the creative expression of content?

Scale: not competitive (1-2); fair (3-6); good (7-10); great (11-15); excellent (15-19); exceptional (20).

4. Artist’s Capabilities – 10 points
Does the work submitted, including the artist’s statement and submitted work samples, demonstrate the artist’s ability to meet the project requirements and fully realize the project.

Scale: not competitive (1); fair (2-3); good (4-5); great (6-7); excellent (8-9); exceptional (10).