Short Description

The arts play a vital role in shaping Bellingham’s identity by adding beauty, meaning, and character to public spaces. Public art fosters community pride, invites cultural participation, and helps create a more welcoming and connected environment. It can also spark conversation, reflection, and a sense of shared experience.

To support this, the City of Bellingham allocates one percent of eligible costs from capital improvement projects over $2 million to incorporate public art. This investment enhances the city’s reputation as a regional arts destination, supports the local creative economy, provides meaningful employment for artists, and enriches both the city’s infrastructure and cultural life.

Available Opportunities 

There are several capital projects underway that are subject to the Percent for Art program. The budget and artwork approach varies from project to project and has been outlined specifically in each project’s respective Exhibit. Figure 1 summarizes the available art opportunities, and Figure 2 shows approximate project locations in Bellingham, WA. Qualified artists and artist teams who respond to this RFQ may be considered for other Percent for Art opportunities not listed within this RFQ. Additionally, separate RFQ/RFPs or Calls for Artwork may be submitted for these projects and others. 

Summary Table of Available Art Opportunities 

  1. James & Bakerview Roundabout Sculpture, $155,000: Sculpture to be installed in the center of a new roundabout at James St and E Bakerview Rd. 
  2. Post Point Water Treatment Plant Sculpture(s), $195,000: Sculpture(s) to be installed near trail entrance(s), highlighting unique natural characteristics of the site. 
  3. Woburn Sculpture(s), $70,000: Sculpture(s) to be installed in one or more of the approved locations within the project site. 
  4. Parkview Safe Routes to School Illuminated Sculpture(s), $50,000: Illuminated, columnar artwork to be installed at one or more of the approved locations within the project site. The artwork should evoke playfulness and connect to the Cornwall Neighborhood identity. 

Eligibility

We are seeking artist(s) or artist team(s) qualified to design, fabricate, and install artwork associated with several capital projects at various locations as part of the Percent for the Arts program. Artists and artist teams may apply to be considered for a roster that will be used to select artists for one or more upcoming projects.

Submission Requirements

  • Coversheet & Letter of Interest
    • Completed application coversheet 
    • Letter of interest summarizing:
      • Brief biography and statement about your practice generally  
      • Which projects you are interested in developing a proposal for, and why 
  • Artist / Artist Team Qualifications & References
    • Resume(s), include name, address, phone number, e-mail address and website for all members of the team, along with relevant artistic and professional experience. 
    • Two professional references, including name, email, phone number and relationship to reference, for each team member. 
  • Quality of Previous Projects & Experience
    • Evidence of experience in design and installation of artwork, preferably work on public art projects for government agencies on projects of comparable scale, scope, and budget. Include materials, technical skills, and project budgets.
    • Web links, color images, and/or videos of previous relevant work with annotated image descriptions (10 or less) 

How to Apply

Qualified submittals should be submitted as one combined PDF attachment. Submittals will only be accepted via email, addressed to: arts@cob.org

Entry Fee

None

Location

Bellingham, WA, United States

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 12 September 2025

Website Link: https://cob.org/services/arts/public-art

FundGrant