First Artist Residency Announced at BelRed Arts Studio
Inviting artists who use recycled materials and engage in environmentally conscious practices to raise awareness of sustainable living.
Submission Deadline: January 8, 2026
Timeline: February 2026 – April 30, 2026
Budget: $1,400 monthly stipend
Application: https://form.jotform.com/253275118902153
OPPORTUNITY
Inspired by the Recology King County Artists in Residence Program, the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance is pleased to announce announce the first Artist Residency at the BelRed Arts Studio. Republic Services is proud to be the inaugural partner for this first residency. This round’s theme supports the creation of art from recycled, repurposed and discarded materials recovered from the Republic Services’ Bellevue mini recycling center and the Republic Services’ Seattle Recycle Center. The Residency provides the selected artist with access to discarded materials, a stipend of $1400 per month, a fully-funded private studio at BelRed Arts Studio in the BelRed Arts District in Bellevue and, at the close of the residency, a public workshop/program at the BelRed Arts Studio to showcase the work they’ve accomplished and provide hands-on engagement opportunity for the community.
By supporting the artist who works with recycled materials, the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance and Republic Services hope to encourage the public to be more mindful of their consumption practices, encourage reuse and proper recycling, as well as promote new ways of thinking about art and the environment. The residency will take place from February 1, 2026, and end on April 30, 2026 with a public event on Friday, April 24, 2026.
During the residency, artist will have scavenging rights at the Republic Services’ Bellevue mini recycling center and Republic Services’ Seattle Recycle Center. Artists are encouraged to spend roughly 15-20 hours per week completing the expected project. Artist will also have a choice to donate the artwork to the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance’s permanent collection and will remain on-site at the Studio or loan the artwork for at least 2 years to be showcased at various locations around Bellevue and the Arts District.
The BelRed Arts Studio offers 24/7 access to chosen artist, and features free parking, kitchen access, private studio space and connections with other working artists within the community.
ABOUT THE CALL
The goal of this call is to bring character, intrigue, and beauty to the BelRed Arts District while promoting the creation of art from sustainable materials and influence others on how proper recycling and reuse of materials is critical to protecting the health of the environment we live in. The location of the artwork will be at various locations in Bellevue and the BelRed Arts District.
ELIGIBILITY
The BelRed Arts District’s Artist Residency is open to local, career-level artists living in the Greater Seattle Area, preferably on the Eastside, who are working in any style or medium (the BelRed Arts Studio does not offer a kiln or hot shop currently).
Participating artist is required to attend an orientation and training session with Republic Services to learn about the facilities and observe proper safety precautions with respect to design, technical construction and materials in the creation of artwork, including precautions reasonably required or recommended by Republic Services personnel. Participating artist will exercise complete control over the creative process, and all creative ideas and expressions will originate from the artist. However, BelRed Arts District Community Alliance and Republic Services reserve the right to reject artwork that is offensive or unacceptable for display to the general public. The artist must supply original artwork. The artwork must be suitable for display in public spaces and viewing by a general audience, containing no advertising, branding, or graphic depictions of violence or sexually explicit material (including nudity).
Such materials may include but it not limited to:
Overtly pornographic or libelous content
Overtly offensive religious or political content
Content that portrays discrimination, harassment, or any form of abusive behavior based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status
Content that includes any personally identifiable information
PROJECT TIMELINE
January 8, 2026 - Application Due
January 26, 2026 - Artist Selected
February 2026 - Orientation
March 30, 2026 - Check-in on Progress
April 17, 2026 - Final Check-in, Design Close to Finish
April 24, 2026 - Public Showcase of Artwork + Community Workshop
**Please note that dates are tentative and subject to change.**
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Artist application: Complete all required fields in the online application, including primary location, artistic medium, and the items below.
Contact information: Name, address, phone number, email address
Website
Resume
Artist bio: summarize your background as well as artistic influence, training and significant achievements.
Statement of purpose. Please describe what you plan to work on during the residency and how you will incorporate recycled materials. Additionally, please answer the following questions:
What encouraged you to apply for this residency?
What medium do you generally work in?
What type of tools do you generally work with?
Example artwork: Submit up to five (5) images of example work. Please submit high quality JPEG or similar format. Use DropBox or similar link if images are too large to attach.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online applications by midnight on January 8, 2026. All applications will be collected on Jotform unless other arrangements are made by December 23, 2025. Link to call submission: https://form.jotform.com/253275118902153
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
Artists must meet eligibility requirements and submit a complete application. Artists will be selected based on the on the artists’ demonstrated commitment to resource conservation and recycling through art, artistic merit, craftsmanship, the quality of previous work, and the artist’s application. Our selection committee will be composed of art professionals, BelRed Arts District Community Alliance board and/or staff, Republic Services staff, and environmentalists. They will review application packets and select one finalist to participate in the program. The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance and Republic Services reserve the right to not choose any applicants.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions? Contact us at sandy@belredarts.org.
ABOUT 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.
ABOUT REPUBLIC SERVICES
For decades, Republic Services has been a trusted partner for sustainable recycling and waste solutions. Today, they are leaders in environmental services. Their focus on safety, environmental compliance, and best-in-class customer service enables them to effectively meet the needs of their customers and build long-lasting relationships.