Call For Artist: Large-scale art installation in Bellevue’s BelRed Arts District
Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Budget: $8000
Application Link:https://form.jotform.com/260665826847168
OPPORTUNITY
The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance seeks artist to add to BelRed’s Public Art Program by designing and installing a large-scale artwork installation in the BelRed Arts district. This artist call is open to local, career-level artists living in King County - preferably on the Eastside – that have completed at least 3-5 previous artwork installation on exterior walls. The final selected artist will contract with the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance for $8000, covering the artist’s time, labor and supplies. The Community Alliance will handle any equipment necessary for installation, including outdoor-grade hardware and lift.
The deadline for application is May 3 at 11:59 PM PST. Please note that this is a request for qualifications. Artist will be evaluated based on prior work experiences and are asked not to create new artwork proposals to apply for this call.
ABOUT THE CALL
The call aims to provide opportunities to artists that will help tell the story, vision and brand of the BelRed Arts District through a creative, vibrant and intriguing temporary art installation on the exterior masonry walls of the BelRed Arts Studio located at 1615 133rd PL NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 (art installation placement indicated in red boxes below). The final selected artist will be required to work directly with the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance to ensure the design aligns with the district’s vision for the art installation.
Artwork will be placed on south and east wall of the BelRed Arts Studio. South wall faces the 2 Line train tracks
The selected artist can expect payment in multiple installments throughout the project’s duration. The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance will be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and agreements. Artist must carry general liability insurance for the duration of the installation and conduct any necessary wall preparation before mural installation.
The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance will provide additional support and assistance throughout the entire process but look to artists to provide guidance on best practices for installation. The artwork is slated to be on display for at least 2 years, must be easy to remove and relocate.
GOALS OF THE ARTWORK
Unique to this project
Tells the story, vision and brand of the BelRed Arts District
Provides fun and engaging experiences for those passing by the art installation from different perspective (train, car, sidewalk or adjacent building)
Increases the visibility and awareness of the BelRed Arts District and serves as one of the key anchors
Achievable and feasible
Colorful and vibrant but fits well into the overall environment and works well with the other murals in the vicinity.
PROJECT SITE
1615 133rd PL NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
ABOUT BELLEVUE’S BELRED ARTS DISTRICT
The BelRed Arts District was first designated as an arts village as part of the 2009 BelRed Land Use Code Update that has facilitated BelRed’s transition from a light-industrial and commercial area into a future mixed-used, urban district. Today, the BelRed Arts District has the highest concentration of arts, creatives and cultural uses on the east side of Lake Washington. It is also home to the BelRed Light Rail Station, offering accessible transportation to those who live, work, and visit.
Over 60+ creative organizations and businesses currently occupy post-industrial warehouses, aging commercial spaces and older strip malls reminiscent of the 60s and 70s era. While passing through the neighborhood, some visitors may pick up on the subtle clues of the incredible radiance of the vibrant treasures housed in some of the aging structures. These hints are all over the district with the line of cars dropping off young dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet, people laughing and gathering for a paint and sip experiences at Painted Palace, or joyful music echoing from the rehearsal studios, piano and drum school. Throughout the district, there is also a growing variety of various scaled public art installations that are accessible and help beautify and connect to the built environment.
Our organization’s vision for a thriving arts district includes diverse creative spaces, active arts and cultural experiences, walkable and connected streets, public art works and community inclusivity.
ABOUT THE BELRED ARTS DISTRICT COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to leading the strategic and sustainable growth of the BelRed Arts District in Bellevue. We unite artists, creative businesses/organizations, and community partners to elevate the District’s visibility, fuel local economic vitality, and shape a lasting cultural destination on the Eastside. Our mission brings together the power of arts, culture and innovation to build a vibrant Arts District that will inspire and thrive for generations.
ELIGIBILITY
This call is open to all active professional visual artists who meet the following requirements:
Lives in King County, preferably on the Eastside
Have completed at least 5 previous art installations on exterior walls of their own design
Artist must be able to travel to Bellevue, WA to install their designs by fall 2026
Artist must meet insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability coverage with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 annual aggregate.
PROJECT TIMELINE
| Dates | Scope of Work |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2026 | Deadline for application submission |
| June 2026 | Panel review |
| July 2026 | Notification of Selection to Artist, brainstorming and initial artwork development |
| August 2026 | Design draft check-in |
| September 2026 | Final check-in, permitting and installation |
*** Please note that dates are tentative and subject to change***
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS - https://form.jotform.com/260665826847168
Artist Application: Complete all required fields in the online application, including your information, primary location, artistic medium, and the items below.
Artist Bio and Statement of Purpose. Summarize your background, artistic influence, training and significant achievements
What is your connection to the BelRed Arts District? (if any). Why are you personally interested in contributing to the public artworks collection in the BelRed Arts District?
Why do you believe arts district like ours exist and are important to the community?
Do you have any initial plans for this project given the content and your arts practice? Please outline any ideas/thoughts below.
Example Artworks. Submit one (1) image each of (5) previous art installation projects of your own design (5 total images). Please show images from five distinct projects. This call is a request of qualifications, so please do not submit proposals. Application that do not adhere to this requirement will not be accepted.
Out of all the images submitted, which projects did you install yourself without outsourcing or consulting?
Upload Resume
References. Provide three (3) professional references with contact information.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application by midnight on May 3, 2026. All applications will be collected through Jotform.
Link to artist call application/submission: https://form.jotform.com/260665826847168
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
An artist will be selected based on eligibility, artistic merit, mural experience, and compelling examples of artwork relevant to this project. Artists must meet eligibility requirements and submit complete applications. A technical review by staff will be conducted before the review by a selection panel. A panel composed of representatives from the the orgnization’s board, art professionals, and community representatives will recommend the selected artist. The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance reserves the right to not select any applicants.
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
The artist must supply an original design that can be installed onto an exterior outdoor wall.
The artists must own all rights to images and content used in the artwork.
The artwork must be appropriate for display in public spaces and viewing by a general audience, containing no text (including words, quotes, or letters), advertising or branding, or graphic depictions of violence and sexually explicit material (including nudity).
The artwork cannot contain any representations of traffic lights, signs, or signals and should not aim to confuse or endanger drivers and pedestrians.
BACKGROUND
The City of Bellevue’s launch of the BelRed Public Arts program in 2023 has breathed new life into the BelRed Arts District, infusing the neighborhood with vibrant colors, compelling narratives, and awe-inspiring imagery. This is not just about art; it's about building community and fostering a connection between artists, businesses and residents. Engage conversations with the artists, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind their work. The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance is starting a mural program to continue the City’s efforts of bringing more public art into the neighborhood.