the something new vii: public art program

The Something New program is a dynamic public art experience as well as an ongoing opportunity for sculptors to exhibit their work. The exhibit places sculptures in five outdoor locations in downtown Winslow on beautiful Bainbridge Island. The five locations are located inside the boundaries of the Bainbridge Creative District. The state of Washington now hosts 13+ Certified Creative Districts, which are defined as a walkable neighborhood designated hub for creative sector jobs, tourist, and cultural activities.

The five Something New locations include pedestals in front of Town & Country Market on Winslow Way and Erickson Avenue, at the south end of Madison Ave, S. (in the Doc’s plaza), at the entry door of The Bainbridge Island City Hall building, and in two spots along the central path in Waterfront Park.

Selected works will remain on display for approximately 11 months after which They will be removed to make room for the next collection of selected sculptures, offering Bainbridge Islanders and visitors “something new” every year.

In addition to the five new pieces to be temporarily exhibited as part of the Something New VII exhibit, Bainbridge Island has a Public Art Collection consisting of 24 works, the majority of which are also located in downtown Winslow.

Exhibition Guidelines:

• Any artwork being submitted must be completed at the time of submission.
• Artwork must be of suitable scale for outdoor public art and be of high artistic quality.
• Artwork must require only minimal maintenance, if any, and be able to withstand the effects of weather, be resistant to vandalism to the extent possible, be able to withstand pedestrian contact, and not impede passing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic.
• Artwork will be on loan to the City during the exhibition period and must be available for sale to the public. If a sculpture is purchased, the Artwork cannot be removed before the end of the exhibition period. If purchased by COBI, a 25% commission is paid by the artist and the funds will be deposited into the COBI Public Art Sub Fund.
• Concrete pedestals are provided for the display of each sculpture. The anchoring method will be approved by the City Engineer. The typical requirement is 1⁄2” Titen HD bolts that screw through a baseplate. Bolts are provided by PAC/City Engineer.
• When selected, each Artist will be required to submit detailed information relating to the proposed anchoring method. Unless otherwise established with the City Engineer, the baseplate holes must be drilled to 3/4 inches to accommodate the bolts. Each concrete pad is a different size. Pedestals are described in the Attachment Diagrams of Pedestals and Sculpture Connection Detail, which describes the dimension of each pedestal.
• During the exhibition period, COBI will maintain liability insurance to cover any damages incurred.
• It is the Artist’s responsibility to deliver and oversee the installation of their sculpture in July of 2024 and to be present for the removal at the end of the exhibition in June of 2025 (or a to-be-determined date).
• Artwork cannot be shipped as there is no available storage space or staff available for this purpose. Submitted artwork must remain available through June 2024 or until the final selections have been made.
• PAC reserves the right to reject work that is not the same Artwork as was selected in response to this call. Artwork may also be rejected if it does not meet COBI standards of durability, safety, and quality.

2024 Timeline:

• April 22 - 28: Public Works reviews selections. Provides feedback regarding suitability for public installation and attention to the pedestal configuration.
• April 29 - May 5: Artists will be notified of the Jury’s Decision.
• May 14: City Council Presentation of Something New selections.
• May: Agreements/Contracts with COBI Signed with artists.
• July 15 - 19: Deinstallation of Something New VI Sculptures.
• July 22 - 26: Installation of Something New VII Sculptures.
• August 2: Official Opening Reception in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk. Artists are invited but not required to attend.
• August - September: Artists to be invited to be interviewed about their work. Recordings will be made available on the Arts & Humanities Bainbridge and the City of Bainbridge Island websites.
• October - December 31: Press release and voting for The People’s Choice Award begins.

2025 Timeline:

• January - March: People’s Choice voting continues.
• March: People’s Choice selected.
• April 4 (First Friday): In conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, People’s Choice Award Event.
• June: Deinstall Something new VII.