The Kennewick Arts Commission is soliciting proposals for digital artwork for vinyl wrapping of traffic utility boxes throughout the city.  The objective is to infuse art on an otherwise utilitarian surface, discourage graffiti and beautify street corners in Kennewick.  

ARTWORK:   The spirit of the art should reflect the theme of the zone in which the traffic box is located. Art Opportunity Zone Description and Map are available on our website at Go2Kennewick.com/Art .

Approved and funded locations:

• N Columbia Center Blvd and W Canal Dr
• W Clearwater Ave and N Edison St
• Gage Blvd and N Steptoe St
• W 27th Ave and S Olympia St (funded by Sun Pacific Energy)
• S Columbia Center Blvd and W 10th Ave
• S Kellogg St and W 10th Ave
• S Union St and W 10th Ave
• N Edison St and W Canal Dr

Additional utility box locations:

Utility boxes are located throughout the city with potential to be wrapped in art.  Submitted art not selected for above locations will be kept on file.  Art may be approved for a utility box in a different location than what is currently funded.  If/when additional funding becomes available, you will be contacted if your art is selected for placement or for further development. 

Because of the public nature, artwork may not contain advertising, religious art, sexual content, violent or other content unsuitable for all ages and cannot convey political partisanship.

BUDGET:   Selected artists will be awarded $300 per box.  Artists can submit up to 4 designs.

ELIGIBLE ARTISTS:  Artists or teams living in the Pacific Northwest may apply. Submitted designs must be original works of the artist and in compliance with all existing copyright laws.    

DEADLINE:  Submittals must be received no later than 4:30 pm, Wednesday, June 1st, 2022.

Artist Requirements

• The artist must be an individual artist or team residing in the State of Washington, Oregon or Idaho.
• The artist must specify contact information including physical address.
• The artist is asked to submit evidence of work experience and past projects as they relate to this call specifically addressing evidence of:

• Experience relevant to this type of project.
• Experience working with other design professionals and with other community agencies.
• Availability/ability to begin work in a timely manner and meet project schedules.

Submit electronic copy of the following:

(If you are not able to submit application packet electronically, please contact arts@ci.kennewick.wa.us)

• Cover letter (1 page) including a brief statement of your interest in the project, collaborative skills, relevant experience and technical ability and a brief narrative conveying how the art addresses the project criteria.  
• No more than 4 different preliminary designs. Each proposal should be clearly marked including: LastName_FirstName_TitleofArtPiece (or numbered 1-4).  
• Current resume(s) of the artist and any other team members including residence (2 page max.).
• Up to 6 relevant projects reflecting your past work.  

No submitted materials will be returned unless the Artist so requests and includes an appropriate postage paid envelope. Staff will make every effort to assure the safe handling of your materials; however, the KAC takes no responsibility for loss or damage.  Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Following the June 1, 2022 submission deadline, the Kennewick Arts Commission will conduct the preliminary review of all artist proposals.  A recommendation will be submitted to the sponsor and City Council. The Kennewick Arts Commission reserves the right to reject all proposals. 

The Kennewick Arts Commission will review the proposals, hold a public hearing to consider the proposals and select proposals from one or more artists for further consideration, and provide a recommendation to the sponsor. The selected artist(s) may be asked to refine their proposal(s) until such time as an acceptable proposal(s) is selected.   The proposals may be presented to citizens.  The selected proposal will be presented for review by Commission members and city staff for input as to conformance with Art Zone theme. The Kennewick Arts Commission and/or the sponsor reserve the right to reject all proposals. The City Council of the City of Kennewick has final approval authority.  

Upon approval of a preliminary concept, the selected artist(s) will produce a final digital submission at a minimum of 20” x 36” and 600 dpi for the selected location(s). The final artwork will include a completed W-9 form to expedite payment to the artist. City staff will coordinate the production progress and installation of the artwork.   Commissioners appointed by the KAC to represent the art zones throughout the city will conduct periodic inspections of artwork to assure compliance with the approved design and report back to the full Commission.

Installation will take place as weather and other restrictions allow.

City of Kennewick and the Kennewick Arts Commission does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability.  

We encourage persons with disabilities and those who require language assistance to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing an accommodation, please contact Rohana Carmichael, 509-585-4532 or email rohana.carmichael@ci.kennewick.wa.us, as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the application is due. 

Questions?

Artists may direct questions or requests by contacting City of Kennewick staff Rohana Carmichael at rohana.camichael@ci.kennewick.wa.us

Please title your email "Traffic Box Question"