The City of Auburn is seeking artists and artist teams from the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) who:
Can develop a site-responsive three-dimensional or immersive public art display for either the Art on Main Gallery or Vault Gallery exhibition spaces that will be on display for three-month periods over the 2027 year.
Can successfully and fully activate a window-front space that is visible to the public 24/7 or a small indoor visitor-accessible gallery space
Is an experienced artist seeking a unique location to exhibit artwork.
Can create innovative artwork to engage the community and activate downtown Auburn.
DESCRIPTION
The City of Auburn, Washington, seeks applications from regional artists to install 3-dimensional or multi-media art installations in two site-specific gallery spaces in downtown Auburn: the Art on Main Gallery and the Vault Gallery. Both spaces provide a $1,000 artist stipend to support the creation of new work and site-specific projects, or the installation of existing work.
TIMELINE
Notification of accepted artists: October 2026
Four time slots for the 2027 year:
January – March
April – June
July – September
October – December
PROCESS
Phase One
Submit application by 10:59 PM Pacific Time on September 2th, 2026
Applications are reviewed annually by a rotating jury consisting of: artists, arts professionals, employees of the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation department, City of Auburn Arts Commission members, or representatives of neighborhood art groups
Applicants notified of results in October 2025. Selected artists move on to phase two.
Phase Two
City of Auburn art staff works with selected artists to discuss proposal and schedule their installation.
Artists submit a more detailed proposal for the specific project at least one month before installation. The proposal will then be reviewed and approved by City of Auburn art staff.
Phase Three
Artist receives contract, and begins installation on assigned date.
Artist provides ongoing maintenance as needed during the duration of the display.
Artist completes de-installation on assigned date.