Amazon Artist in Residence

OVERVIEW OF THE AMAZON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

The Amazon Artist-in-Residence program was launched in 2018. Every year, 7 artists are selected for a 10-week residency each. The residencies are split between the 1,100 square foot studio space Seattle, and 1,100 square foot studio in Bellevue. This unique program provides several opportunities for interaction with Amazon staff, through workshops, artist talks and exhibitions. Shunpike’s AiR Salons also provide an opportunity to present residency work to the general public.

Artist Grant: $15,000, inclusive of artist expenses and one mutually agreed upon artwork.

Eligibility: Residents of Washington State over 18 years of age creating original artwork. Please note, lodging will not be provided for this residency.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Successful Applicants Are:

Compelling – artistically strong in concept and execution, approachable to a diverse audience and actively seeking to engage with others about their art..
Relevant – your art is responsive to and engages with diverse audiences, themes, and ideas. A dynamic artistic process is a central consideration for all proposals.

The framework of the application review process is guided by two of Amazon’s leadership principles.

Think Big – we believe that thinking small is a self-fulfilling prophecy so we encourage submissions that communicate a bold direction that inspires viewers.
Invent and Simplify – at its best the artistic process is innately innovative. We champion inventive and innovative ideas that break through the constraints of convention and perceived technical limitations.

Program Requirements

Artists are required to work in-studio for a minimum of 16 hours per week during business hours for the duration of the ten-week residency. Artists will be available for questions by studio visitors.
Artists will offer two employee engagement events. Past events have included an artist lecture, practice-based workshop or open studio event for connection with Amazon employees.
Artists will create one unique work to be displayed on the Amazon Campus upon completion of the residency.
Artists will provide their own art supplies.
Amazon reserves the right to photograph the artist at work and all works created and installed in the art studio for program marketing materials. Images will be made available for artist use.

Materials Required for Submission

Artist Bio, 400 words or less
Artist Statement, 400 words or less
4-6 representative work samples with related work list
Project Proposal, including:
- Conceptual statement of intended project for the residency
- Example content for educational event
- Explanation of relevant experience as a teaching artist
- Total word count for this section: 700 words

Panel Review

All applications are reviewed by an independent panel based on relevance, viability, community engagement and creative merit. The panel is made up of art curators, professional artists, Amazonians, and arts administrators.

TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

The goal of the proposal is to concisely detail the project proposal and elements of audience engagement while in the studio. Highly conceptual art jargon and overlong descriptions are best avoided. It is recommended to compose your application in a Word document, check the word count, and copy/paste your responses into the application form. Shunpike is not able to offer technical support for the online application system.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How large are the studios, and what tools are available?

Seattle Studio: 1,080 square feet. Bellevue Studio: 1,100 square feet. There are no power tools except drills provided.

What is the ceiling height of the studio?

Seattle Studio: The ceiling is 10 feet. Bellevue Studio: The ceiling is 12.5 feet.

What lighting is available in the studio?

Seattle Studio: Track lights can be adjusted to meet lighting needs. For natural light there is a bank of windows across the hall from the studio facing east. Bellevue Studio: Two sides of the studio are lined with floor to ceiling windows. Track lights can be adjusted to meet lighting needs.

What is the floor surface/covering?

The floors are polished concrete.

Is the residency only available to individual artists?

The residency is intended to fund one individual artist. We love collaboration however; the stipend would need to be split amongst all participants.

Is the studio ventilated?

The ventilation is limited and fumes must be kept to a minimum.

Are the studio and the corporate facilities wheelchair and otherwise ADA accessible?

Yes.

Is parking available?

Parking is available for loading materials and for day to day studio use.

How will I be notified of the of the application status?

There will be two rounds of panel reviews. Applicants will be notified within six weeks after the applications close.

INCOMPLETE AND LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

QUESTIONS? Contact: info@shunpike.org