Seattle Office of Arts & Culture

Introduction
The Creative Advantage is a partnership between Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Public Schools to increase student access to arts learning.

The Creative Advantage Community Arts Partner Roster is a list of artists, teaching artists, and community arts and culture organizations approved to work in Seattle Public Schools and receive compensation through The Creative Advantage. Arts partners from the roster provide integrated and/or cultural arts residencies for students, and/or professional development for teachers.

The Creative Advantage Community Arts Partner Roster is maintained by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture as a resource for schools seeking partners to help them meet their arts education equity goals.

The Roster opens for 2023 on January 10th, and will stay open year-round for new artists, teaching artists, community arts organizations, and cultural institutions to apply. Applications will be vetted and approved by Creative Advantage Advisors, through a panel process three times annually (March, June, October). Roster Advisory members are Seattle Public School teacher leaders and current Roster partners. 

Deadlines for 2023 submissions in each review period:

• Applications submitted between 1/6 and by 5 PM (PST) 2/28 will be reviewed during the March review cycle
• Applications submitted between 3/1 and by 5 PM (PST) 6/13 will be reviewed during the June review cycle
• Applications submitted between 6/14 and by 5 PM (PST) 10/10 will be reviewed during the October review cycle

Eligibility
Open to artists, teaching artists, community arts organizations, and cultural institutions serving students, teachers, and schools in Seattle with three (3) or more years of teaching experience. Applicants must be over the age of 18.

An applicant can apply to provide integrated/cultural arts residencies for students and/or professional development opportunities for teachers. Applicants must indicate whether they want to be considered for one or both of these options. 

Application Components
All applications must be submitted online through Submittable. 

Documents to Submit:  Applicants will upload documentation of their work as an individual artist, teaching artist, or arts organization: 

• Individual artist biography (bio) or organizational history + teaching artist biographies (bios)
• Sample lesson plan(s) or class outline(s)
• Work samples
• Professional development plan (if applicable)

Narrative Questions:  Applicants will complete questions that provide information on the following: 

• Teaching philosophy and approach
• Equity & Access
• Culturally responsive strategies
• 21st Century skills development
• Lesson plan development
• Teacher collaboration

Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria. 

Applications for Arts Residencies for Students will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Approach & Collaboration: Clear approach and experience teaching art to young people
• Lesson Planning: Ability to develop a lesson plan or class outline
• Equity & Access: Experience and skills working with participants of diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds; experience working with communities experiencing oppression and inclusion of culturally responsive teaching practices 
• Integrated & Cultural Arts: Experience teaching effective integrated arts and/or cultural arts to young people
• 21st Century Skills: Ability to articulate clear arts learning objectives and assessment criteria that include one or more 21st century skills (creative and critical thinking, communication, collaboration, perseverance, and growth-mindset)
• Work Samples: Samples demonstrate abilities, experience, and/or achievements as a teaching artist or teaching artist organization

Applications for Professional Development for Teachers will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Approach & Collaboration: Clear approach and experience leading teacher professional development 
• Professional Development Planning: Ability to articulate clear arts learning objectives for adult learners 
• Equity & Access: Experience and skills working with participants of diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds; experience working with communities experiencing oppression and inclusion of culturally responsive teaching practices
• Integrated Arts: Ability to develop a professional development outline for teachers for integrating the arts
• 21st Century Skills: Activities that support teachers to foster 21st century skills with students in their own classrooms
• Work Samples: Ability to evaluate/assess and demonstrate impact of professional development on participants

Review Process
All applications and materials will be reviewed by a peer advisory panel comprised of Seattle Public Schools educators and current Creative Advantage roster partners. 

Notification of Results
All applicants will be notified of panel decisions by email, after each round of panel reviews, (end of March, end of June/early July, end of October/early November).

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture reserves the right not to select any of the applicants.

We’re Here to Help
Questions about this opportunity?  Contact the Arts Education Project Manager Tina LaPadula anytime - tina.lapadula@seattle.gov 

TIPS:
1.  Read the guidelines, online instructions, and, if need be, contact Submittable for any technical questions.

2.  Schedule a 1 : 1 mentoring session with the Arts Education Project Manager (Tina LaPadula - tina.lapadula@seattle.gov) for support completing the application or to talk through the basics of a class outline or learning plan.

3. Submit your application early to avoid errors or technical difficulties. Please do not wait until the last minute.

Questions about using Submittable?

Submittable maintains a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and offers step-by-step guides on their help platform here. For further assistance with the Submittable online application, please contact Submittable tech support at support@submittable.com

Additional Opportunities
The Creative Advantage is one way that the Office of Arts & Culture supports arts education and creative youth development. Join our mailing list to learn about professional development, arts funding, and innovative creative youth program opportunities.

Privacy Notice:

Information that you provide in your application will become part of a record that is subject to public disclosure. The Office of Arts & Culture will not publish this information, but we are legally bound to provide it upon request. For more information, see the Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56. To learn more about how we manage your information, see our Privacy  Statement at www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/privacy.

INTRODUCTION 

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), is seeking two digital artists/creators working in digital data visualization art for a unique, project-based residency within two of Seattle’s iconic bridges. The northwest tower of the Fremont Bridge and the southeast tower of the University Bridge will be used by the artists as working studio/office space and as inspiration for their work. For the purposes of this application, Digital Data Visualization Art refers to graphical representation of information and data, as an integral component of the aesthetic intention of the artwork. For more examples and information about data visualization art, please see the “More Information” section below. 

A public showcase (held in-person or virtual) of the artwork created as part of the residency is required. This opportunity is open to artists living in King, Snohomish, Pierce, or Kitsap counties and must be able to travel to Seattle for the residency requirement of this project. Two artists will be selected for two separate residencies that will be scheduled with each artist from June – December 2023 (assumed 2-3 month residency). Each artist will determine a schedule of when they are “in-residence” and the project will include public sharing of artwork created as part of the residency. New work created as part of this residency shall represent or illuminate some aspect of the bridge or bridge’s history, real or metaphorical, but it is assumed that artists will use data from or relating to the bridge their residency is based in. 

If you are interested in being considered for this project, please submit up to 10 work samples, a short biographical statement, a statement of interest, and a general residency proposal (via written, audio, or video submissions). The proposal should convey your general idea for how you might approach this project and what you may seek to create but should not be a detailed proposal. All application materials must be submitted through ARTS’ Submittable Application Portal by 4:59 pm on April 14, 2023 

NOTES:

• The residency locations are not ADA Accessible. If accessibility concerns might preclude you from participating in this residency, please contact Jeremy Beliveau at Jeremy.beliveau@seattle.gov or 206-459-6554 to discuss accommodations that can be made to provide access to the space.
• All bridge safety guidelines must be adhered to following a mandatory safety procedures training with SDOT representatives.
• Residency locations are NOT equipped with Wi-Fi or internet access, and artists must acquire their own Wi-Fi hotspot if it is needed. If internet access is integral to your residency proposal, please note how you will address this need, as SDOT and ARTS are unable to furnish the towers with internet access. 

ELIGIBILITY 

This call is open to digital artists living in King, Snohomish, Pierce, or Kitsap counties who are able to travel to Seattle for the residency requirement of this project. This opportunity is for individual artists; artist teams are ineligible to apply. Students under the age of 18 are ineligible to apply. Applications with project proposals not directly concerning data visualization will not be considered.  

SCOPE OF WORK: RESIDENCY 

The artist in residence will undertake an in-depth exploration of some type of data regarding or stemming from this historic bridge (either Fremont or University) and interpret that information using some form of artistic digital data visualization. For more information and history about each of the sites, please see the “More Information” section below. 

The residency will include tower access for one of the two bridges. Artists will be given a key following a mandatory safety training session. Artists cannot live in the tower, but the artist may use the space as a studio, place to observe the bridge and surroundings, staging area for data collection, or as a home-base from which to engage with the community. 

Prior to the residency, the artist will be asked to meet and discuss their approach to their project with staff from ARTS and SDOT. In consultation with staff, the artist will set their studio hours (suggested 8 – 15 hours per week for 2 – 3 months) and propose a culminating project along with its public presentation. The artist residency can be scheduled within a 2 – 3 month period between June and December, 2023. 

Artists may propose collecting their own data, provided the equipment required does not cause permanent changes to or damage the bridge facilities in any way and its installation is easily reversible. A wide variety of data about the bridges already exist (including but not limited to openings per month and steel stress-test data). All data collecting equipment installations and the use of specific data sets must be approved by SDOT. Access to certain data or information may be restricted at SDOT’s discretion in order to ensure the safety of staff and ongoing bridge operations. 

PROJECT, PRESENTATION, DOCUMENTATION 

The residency will culminate in at least one public presentation (in person/virtual) of the work produced while in residence. The work created as part of the residency shall represent or illuminate some aspect of the bridge and/or the bridge’s history, be it real or metaphorical. The artist will propose and implement public presentation(s) of the project through screening(s), speaking engagements, exhibition, or reading(s); virtual or physical locations and times to be determined in consultation with staff from ARTS and SDOT. Where possible, ARTS staff will provide technical assistance, introductions to community resources, and other information as needed.  

BUDGET 

Each artist selected (2) will receive $10,000 USD inclusive of all residency time, costs, project, presentation, documentation of the work, and applicable taxes. Payment will be made in installments based on benchmarks established by ARTS in consultation with the artist. 

APPLICATION & SELECTION: DEADLINE & TIMELINE
All application materials must be uploaded to Submittable before 4:59p.m. (PST) on April 14, 2023. Please allow ample time to complete your application and upload your images; applications submitted after the 4:59 p.m. deadline will not be accepted.  

• February 27th – Call for Applications Opens 
• March 16th – Online Application Workshop 
• April 14th – Deadline for Applications  
• Late April – Selection Panel Convenes to Review Applications 
• Early May – Finalists Interviewed by Selection Panel 
• Late May – Selected Artists Notified Following Selection Panel Recommendations and PAAC Review 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

If you are interested in being considered for this project, please submit work samples, a short biographical statement, a statement of interest, and a general residency proposal (via written, audio or video submission). The proposal should convey your general idea for how you might approach this project and what you may seek to create, but should not need to be a detailed proposal (i.e. one paragraph).  All application materials can be submitted either in written or audio/video formats, but please note that this should not be a highly produced/edited video, a short recording that speaks directly to your interest in this project will suffice. The intent of this option is to provide an opportunity for individuals who feel they can represent themselves better verbally versus in writing. 

• Statement of Interest (not to exceed 400 words or 90 seconds)  
• Biographical statement (not to exceed 500 words or 100 seconds) This replaces the traditional resume and provides the panel information about your background both lived experience, educational or professional. 
• General proposal for residency: What is your initial idea for how you might approach this project and what you may seek to create (not to exceed 500 words or 100 seconds)  
• Work Samples: Not to exceed 10 (.jpg, .pdf, .gif, .mov or other) - In image identification, please note if it's related to the work that you are proposing to create as part of the residency.  
• Indicate which residency location (Fremont, University, either) you are interested in and why.
• Three references: Names, emails, and phone numbers for three professional references who can speak to your potential to succeed in this residency. References will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist.
   

APPLICATION & SELECTION: SELECTION CRITERIA

The artist will be selected based on the following criteria: 

• Adherence to eligibility requirements, especially the provided definition of ‘digital data visualization art’  
• Quality of concept, design, and narrative of past work 
• Content and aesthetic appropriate for all ages  
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget 
• Statement of interest and indication and rationale of preferred residency site location(s)  
• Fit of project proposal with locations and goals of residency program 

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture is committed to reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of our city in the selection of artists and artworks. Artists will be selected based on the strength of past work and the fit of their concept for the project. 
 

APPLICATION & SELECTION: SELECTION PROCESS 

The selection process will take place in two parts. During the first round a selection panel will review the applicants’ submitted materials. The panelists will identify up to five finalists to interview at a second panel meeting approximately 2 – 3 weeks later. The panel will select two artists to be awarded the residency commission(s) and assign the location of the residency.  The Office of Arts & Culture reserves the right to not select any applicants for this residency.
 

NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS 

Applicants will be notified of their selection status by May 31, 2023. The selected artist(s) will refine their proposal, schedule, and complete all required safety trainings prior to beginning their residency. 

APPLICATION WORKSHOP (ONLINE VIA ZOOM) 

Thursday, March 16 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm - watch a recording of the session here

WE’RE HERE TO HELP 

Please contact Jeremy Beliveau at jeremy.beliveau@seattle.gov or call 206.459.6554 with any questions about this project. 

MORE INFORMATION 

DIGITAL DATA VISUALIZATION ART INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES 

Making Visible the Invisible – Results – Search Objects – Seattle Office of Arts and Culture (emuseum.com) 

Data and information visualization - Wikipedia 

data visualization Archives - Hyperallergic 

Art made of data | TED Talks 

https://www3.metmuseum.org/blogs/collection-insights/2020/met-api-parsons-data-visualization 

SITE HISTORY 

THE FREMONT BRIDGE
The Fremont Bridge is a key transportation link between the Fremont, Queen Anne and Westlake Neighborhoods and rises for marine traffic on the Ship Canal an average of 35 times per day, making it one of the busiest bascule (moveable bridge that swings upward) bridges in the world.  Built in 1917 and a historic landmark, there are four enclosed control towers with windows on all sides. Control and a bridge operator work out of the SE tower. The space is furnished with a desk, chair, overhead lights, and windows, but has no bathroom or running water on site.  There is no available  Wi-Fi in the location and selected artist will be responsible for furnishing their own hot-spot for connectivity if needed. 

THE UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
The University Bridge is a double-leaf draw bridge, known as a bascule bridge, built in 1919 with an opening span of 217 feet. The bridge was remodeled in 1933 and was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. A bridge operator is on site every day in the northwestern tower, the southeastern tower is unoccupied and will be used for the residency.  The space is furnished with a desk, chair, overhead lights, windows, a bathroom, and running water.  There is no available Wi-Fi in the location and selected artist will be responsible for furnishing their own hot-spot for connectivity if needed. 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BRIDGE AND PRIOR RESIDENCIES: 

Seattle Department of Transportation  http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bridges.htm 

HISTORY LINK  

Fremont Bridge: http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=2577 

University Bridge: https://www.historylink.org/File/3139  

PRIOR RESIDENCIES 

2009: Kristen Ramirez, Artist in Residence http://thebridgereport.blogspot.com/2009/05/stay-tuned.html,  

2016: University Bridge Lighting Artist in Residence https://artbeat.seattle.gov/2016/05/04/university-bridge-in-a-whole-new-light-artists-ian-campbell-and-hayley-buckbee-selected-for-lighting-artist-residency/  

2016: Fremont Bridge Writer in Residence, City Stream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZZIa77GrIs 

2018: Fremont Musician in Residence https://artbeat.seattle.gov/2019/04/04/music-inspired-by-the-center-of-the-universe-fremont-bridge/  

2020: Graphic Novel Artist in Residence https://artbeat.seattle.gov/2021/03/24/artists-in-residence-bridge-graphic-novel/  

Privacy Notice:

Information that you provide below will become part of a record that is subject to public disclosure. The Office of Arts & Culture will not publish this information, but we are legally bound to provide it upon request. For more information, see the Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56. To learn more about how we manage your information, see our Privacy Statement at www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/privacy.