KCLS Artists Roster

The King County Library System (KCLS) is issuing a Request for Qualifications to create an Artists Roster that will serve as a pool of qualified artists for future artwork acquisitions and site‑specific commissions across its 49+ library facilities. The roster will be refreshed every three years and will include artists who can produce 2‑D and 3‑D works—painting, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, metal, murals, outdoor sculpture, and more—while aligning with KCLS’s design palettes and inclusive community goals. Selection is based on a qualifications package that demonstrates artistic excellence, community engagement, and ability to work with architectural teams. Successful artists will be eligible for future KCLS artwork requests, each with its own scope and budget. • Eligibility: Open to artists (local, regional, or beyond) who have completed projects or exhibited in the Northwest; no residency requirement. • Materials: Accepts a wide range of physical media; digital or water‑based works are discouraged. • Submission deadline: September 16, 2026 4:00 PM (electronic via OpenGov). • Evaluation: KCLS Art Oversight Committee scores biography, statements, artwork examples, and references (total 100 points). • Selection date: October 23, 2026; roster updated every three years. • Future work: Roster members may be invited to bid on individual artwork commissions tied to library building refresh projects (1‑3 facilities per year). • Required deliverables: Intro letter, statement of interest, biography/artist statement, design process description, 8‑10 portfolio images with details, and three professional references (max 25 pages).