Call for artists

Kitsap History Museum invites local artists to transform a blank wall into a vibrant work of art illustrating the theme of “Cultural Permanence” in our permanent Indigenous Peoples exhibit. This exhibit focuses on the Tribes on the Kitsap Peninsula – Suquamish, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Skokomish.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The goal of this project is to bring Indigenous art to the museum’s permanent exhibits to highlight and honor the continued presence of Kitsap Peninsula Tribes and to highlight Tribal art and artists.

The mural design should fill the space outlined below and flow through all three of the numbered sections. Keep in mind that sections 1 and 3 will be partially obscured with artifacts once the mural is complete, so any text or graphics critical to the theme should be centered in the design.

The mural location is Kitsap History Museum in downtown Bremerton.

Width across all 3 sections: 12’4”

Total square footage: Approx. 68.5.

Dimensions per section:

15’5”h x 4’3” w
8’h x 4’3” w
5’5”h x 3’7” w

Completion of the mural and a clearcoat or sealant will be executed in Spring 2023.

APPLICANT GUIDELINES

Participants must submit all the materials listed below:

1. An artist statement of up to 1,000 words that describes the following:

- Why the artist is interested in painting the mural
- How the artist’s concept drawing represents the theme of the Cultural Permanence of Kitsap Peninsula Tribes
- Previous experience working on indoor mural (or similar) projects
- The artist’s connection to Kitsap Peninsula tribes or Coast Salish history and culture

2. At least three (3) samples of previous mural projects and/or samples of previous non-mural artwork that represents your style. Include a brief description of each. In addition, you may submit a detail of each image for a total of 6 files. You may also submit a web site to view additional work.

- File format: JPEG
- File dimensions: No larger than 1080 pixels on the longest side (15 inches x 15 inches/72ppi)
- File resolution: 72ppi (standard web resolution)
- Name your files: lastname_01, lastname_02, lastname_03…
- Name your details: lastname_01_detail, lastname_02_detail, lastname_03_detail…

3. Three (3) references of individuals who can attest to your commitment completing contracted art projects or equivalent skills

4. A concept drawing and dimensions for the proposed mural design

5. Once an artist is selected for the project, the artist will submit a more detailed drawing/design

Materials must be received by Wednesday, February 15th at 11:59pm.

Materials may be submitted in person during the museum’s open hours of Thursday and Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday, Noon-4pm, or by email or mail to:

Kitsap History Museum
280 4th St.
Bremerton WA. 98337
Email: [email protected]

Eligibility

This call is for original mural proposals only. Proposals which contain imagery that is copyrighted by a different entity, stolen, or the intellectual or cultural property of any other source will not be considered.

This call for proposals is open to all ages and levels of experience. Individuals, groups of artists, and teaching artists and their students are encouraged to apply.

Artist Selection Criteria and Process

Artists will be considered based on the following criteria:

Artistic style, innovation, and originality
Documented potential to complete the project successfully and within the required period
Artist’s connection to and knowledge of Kitsap Peninsula tribes or Coast Salish history and culture
Extra consideration will be given to artists who are descended from or affiliated with the Suquamish, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Skokomish Tribes.
Representation of the theme “Cultural Permanence” within the design

Awards and Funding

The artist whose design is chosen for funding will be notified by email.

The stipend for this project is $2,000. Artists are responsible for providing all materials required to complete the project.

Installation of the mural can begin when the design is approved, and all required liability and contract forms are completed by the artist and Kitsap History Museum. If the artist is under age 18, a parent or guardian is required to sign all forms.