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Home: Public Art Program

Art Policy & Guidelines

Arts & Culture Board



Artist Opportunities

Since its inception as the first public agency in the region to establish a civic collection, Port of Seattle’s Art Program has flourished, continuing to achieve critical acclaim with its diverse and innovative art pieces. The Port invites you to become part of the cultural legacy by applying to an upcoming project or temporary exhibition.

The Port of Seattle solicits artwork for permanent and temporary exhibition through commissions, acquisitions, and loan agreements. For all opportunities, a selection committee of Port of Seattle’s professional staff and members of the regional art community will review the artist submittals. Submissions will be evaluated based on professional merit, previous public art projects, experience with unique art installations, and ability to collaborate with various Port departments. The purpose of the committee is to eliminate bias in the selection process and promote equity in alignment with the Port of Seattle’s Diversity in Contracting goals.

Permanent Collection: Commissions & Acquisitions

Commissions are posted as Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) on the Port’s VendorConnect site. RFQs are used to assess the expertise of an Artist’s qualifications for selection to create new, original artworks that are often site-specific. Commissions can be associated with capital projects, when there is new construction or a renovation associated with part of a Port-owned facility. Artists may work closely with the Port of Seattle’s Public Art program and capital project teams to ensure their artwork meets thematic, structural, and safety requirements.

Unlike many calls for public art, the Port of Seattle prioritizes issuing RFQs because it believes that artists should be paid for the time and expertise it takes to develop proposals. Once an RFQ is awarded, the selected artist will engage in a proposal development process wherein the Port will then determine if the concept will proceed into construction.

Acquisitions are posted as Requests for Acquisitions (RFAs) on the Port’s VendorConnect site. They are the direct purchasing of an Artist’s completed artwork from either the Artist or the Gallery representing the artist.

Temporary Exhibition: Loan Agreements

Temporary exhibits are curated every 6-12 months throughout its airport and maritime facilities. They showcase existing, original artworks through a temporary loan which are paid through an honorarium.

To apply for Temporary Exhibitions, create a packet with the following information. Packets must follow this format to be considered for selection.

Name your PDF using the following convention:
  1. "artist's last name, first initial, packet.pdf"
  2. Example: doejpacket.pdf
Create a single PDF with the following content in this order:
  1. Professional resume/CV (limited to 2 pages)
  2. Artist Teams: each team member may submit a resume (limited to 2 pages each)
  3. Contact information of 3 professional references
  4. Artist statement (maximum 500 words)
  5. 4-6 image samples of previous work
For your work samples, include the following information:
  1. Title of the piece(s)
  2. Dimensions
  3. Date of completion
  4. Value
  5. Materials
Send your packet to [email protected] with the subject line "Temporary Exhibition Application"

Apply: Temporary Exhibition

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: August 2024

What information do RFQs an RFAs include?

A typical request includes: 

  1. Call Summary
  2. Project information
  3. Renderings (including dimensions)
  4. Artist evaluation
  5. Submission requirements
  6. State Business License Requirements
  7. Schedule
  8. Artist's selection notification
What should be included in an artist submission?

Artists will create a single PDF combining all the requested information in this order: 

  1. Use the following subject line for your submission email:
    • Project Name
  2. Name your PDF using the following convention:
    • "artist's last name, first initial, packet.pdf"
    • Example: doejpacket.pdf
  3. Create a single PDF with the following content in this order:
    • Professional resume/CV (limited to 2 pages)
    • Artist Teams: each team member may submit a resume (limited to 2 pages each)
    • Contact information of 3 professional references
    • Artist statement (maximum 500 words)
    • 4-6 image samples of previous work
      • For each of these works include:
        • Title of the piece(s)
        • Dimensions
        • Date of completion
        • Value
        • Materials 
How is my submission going to be evaluated?

A selection committee of Port of Seattle’s professional staff and members of the regional art community will review the artist submittals. Submissions will be evaluated based on professional merit, previous public art projects, experience with unique art installations, ability to collaborate with various Port departments, and the art concept’s adherence to the Port’s request to highlight the strength of the existing collection.

Where can I find the Public Art Program Policy and Guidelines?

Art Policy and Guidelines | Port of Seattle

What are contract negotiations?

After evaluating submissions, agency staff or the review committee usually recommend a single firm for contract award, subject to contract negotiations. Negotiations with the recommended firm include refining the scope of work, schedule, deliverables, and price, with the objective of obtaining the best value for the agency. Agencies may wish to develop a checklist of standard contract terms that can be modified for individual projects. 

The agency must ensure that the final scope is consistent with the services described in the formal solicitation document. A substantial change in the scope may lead to protests from unsuccessful firms, especially if it is accompanied by a cost increase over and above the original projections. 

When determining whether the cost is fair and reasonable, agencies should consider the nature of the work, the risk assumed by the consultant, the management of any sub-consultants, and the project timeline. 

If the agency is unable to negotiate a fair and reasonable price with the most highly qualified firm, it may negotiate with the second-most qualified firm instead, and so on until an agreement is reached with one of the firms or the process is terminated (RCW 39.80.050).

Does the Port of Seattle compensate artists?

The Port compensates selected artists according to project budget and the approval of the Public Art Program.

What are the requirements for out-of-state business planning to operate in Washington State?

Out-of-state businesses will need to comply with Washington laws and regulations if you:

  1. Purchase a Washington business.
  2. Operate in or open a physical location in Washington.
  3. Perform on long-term or short-term contracts in Washington.
  4. Hire employees who work from their homes in Washington.
  5. Have a taxable presence (i.e. nexus) in Washington
Why do I need a business license as an artist?

If you intend to make money at what you paint, sculpt, carve, or otherwise create, you must consider getting a business license. The Internal Revenue Service makes distinctions about what constitutes a hobby versus what is a business. For more information, please click on the link below. 

Here’s how to tell the difference between a hobby and a business for tax purposes | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

Do I need a Washington State business license to enter into an agreement with the Port?

Yes. In order to enter into a long-term or short-term contract with the Port of Seattle to perform any services and its obligations with the Port, an artist must comply with all applicable local, State and Federal laws.

The Artist will need to register with the State of Washington to obtain a Uniform Business License (UBI) number, file appropriate taxes with the department of revenue and comply with various federal labor and employment laws.

What is a state business license?

Those who intend to work in Washington State and gross over $12,000 a year from art-making activities or generate income from the retail sale of their art must obtain a business license from the state of Washington. However, any Washington state artist regardless of their income as an artist can still obtain a business license, and you don’t have to be earning money to do so.
 

To obtain a business license from the state of Washington you must fill out a four-page Master Business Application. Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing Master License Service to receive an application and information on starting a new business. A Unified Business Identifier number, or UBI number, is assigned after you complete your application. This number is used by state agencies involved in business regulation, taxation, and registration.
 

The nine-digit UBI number also allows you to purchase items (materials, supplies, etc.), that will be incorporated into an artwork for resale, without paying retail sales tax. The UBI number is your resale number. The UBI number also makes it possible for you to purchase products/materials from companies that only serve wholesale clients.
 

Note: The business license application may take approximately 10 business days to process. If you have city or state endorsements, it may take an additional 2-3 weeks to receive your business license due to approval time.
 

State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Business Licensing Service and local licensing | Washington Department of Revenue
www.bls.dor.wa.gov

Where do I get a Washington State Business License?

At the Small Business Administration web site, you can check out the handy License and Permit page, which allows you to fill in your location and business type (or put in General Licensing), after which you’ll receive another page, full of more links. You can also click on your state directly.
 

Small Business Guidance – Road Map for Opening a Business in WA State
Road Map for opening a business (wa.gov)

State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Business Licensing Service and local licensing | Washington Department of Revenue
www.bls.dor.wa.gov

Washington State Department of Licensing Master License Service
WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Business and professional licenses

Does retail tax apply to my project?

Any artist who charges retail sales tax when selling their artwork must obtain a business license. If you are selling your artwork to a retail consumer or client such as the Port, you must charge sales tax. When you sell to a wholesale client (someone who resells your work) you do not charge sales tax. Sales tax registration and all other necessary state registrations and licenses including trade name registration are included in the Master Business Application. There is no fee for tax registration.

Sales tax is not collected by the Port of Seattle and deducted from the award amount. Tax is reported by breaking out the rate and reporting to the IRS. The artist is responsible for reporting tax and filing any taxes due annually to the IRS.

Internal Revenue Service - Taxes
Businesses | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

WA Business Licensing and renewals FAQs
Washington Department of Revenue

Department of Revenue – Opening a Business
Open a business | Washington Department of Revenue

Do I need to include my trade name when doing business with the Port?

An artist’s trade name or “doing business as” name must be registered with the Washington Department of Licensing when you apply for a business license. A trade name is any name used in the course of business that does not include the full legal name of the owner of the business. There is a fee for each name you register. This registration does not provide protection of the name. Federal and/or state trademark registration is required in providing name protection.

To see if a trade name you wish to use is already registered, check the Washington Department of Licensing’s trade name search online at Register trade names | Washington Department of Revenue. You can also search this database by mail. See WA Department of Licensing for fees and mailing address.

If I have a foreign business, can I do business in the WA State and at the Port?

Yes, for foreign businesses, first ask what is your company’s business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC)? If your entity was formed outside of Washington, filing a “Foreign Entity Registration” in Washington through the Office of the Secretary of State is typically a first step.
Registration is required for all contractors and many businesses specialty licenses and certifications. Talk with your legal advisor to understand the benefits, risks, and requirements.

Registration requires that you designate a “registered agent” in Washington, a Washington- based person or business with a physical address who is to receive your official business entity notifications.

Office of the Secretary of State – File as a Foreign Entity
Filings, Forms & Information | WA Secretary of State
12.2021---foreign-profit-registration-statement.pdf
Registered Agents | WA Secretary of State


Revised Code of Washington
RCW 23.95.510: Foreign registration statement. (wa.gov)
RCW 23.95.505: Registration to do business in this state. (wa.gov)
RCW 23.95.510: Foreign registration statement. (wa.gov)

What if I am a non-profit business, can I do business with the Port?

Yes, but first you must register with the Office of the Secretary of State as a nonprofit corporation under Chapter 24.03 RCW and submit a copy of their 501(c)3 or 501(c)4. 

  1. First, contact the Washington State Secretary of State
  2. Next, you should obtain a tax exemption letter issued by the IRS.
  3.  Finally, you should get a nonprofit business license from the City of which you are located.

Office of the Secretary of State – Non-Profits
Nonprofits | WA Secretary of State
Download Forms | WA Secretary of State

Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 24.03A RCW: WASHINGTON NONPROFIT CORPORATION ACT

Do I need a “City” Business License?

City business licenses may be required for business activity within the city limits of any city however, the Port accepts your state Unified Business Identification Number (UBI).

Where do I go for more information about a business license?

The State of Washington Business Licensing Service has a great website full of information at www.bls.dor.wa.gov/. You can also call 1-800-451-7985 or email [email protected]. The Washington State Department of Licensing website provides contact information for proper licensing with state and local governments based on your business activity.
 

Small Business Association – Licenses & Permits
Apply for licenses and permits (sba.gov)
Small Business Guide: Open (wa.gov)

Is insurance required to do business with the Port?

Yes, depending on the scope of work of the art project, the Port may require the following insurance on coverage: 

  1. Commercial general liability insurance
  2. Automobile liability insurance
  3. Industrial insurance for the artist, its employees and sub-artists/ contractors
  4. Professional liability (Errors & Omission) insurance
When do I need to provide proof of insurance?

Typically, within ten (10) days after receipt of an agreement and/or amendment, the artist shall provide insurance as specified in the contract as summarized below. All such insurance shall be in effect until Close Out and acceptance of the Artist work or longer to the extent so required by Contract. The insurance requirements shall specifically apply to the artist and any Subcontractors, Sub-installers, or Sub-consultants. The artist shall specifically require such coverage under the terms of any Subcontract for completing any part of the work. The artist shall provide Certificate of Insurance and endorsements for each of the following: 

  1. Additional insured endorsement – ongoing work
  2. Waiver of subrogation
  3. Primary and non-contributory coverage
  4. Additional insured endorsement for completed operations (1 year)

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