Storefronts Call for Art
STOREFRONTS CALL FOR ART

2025 Storefronts: South Lake Union Call for Art is closed.

2026 applications will reopen in Fall 2025. 

Program Requirements

  • Works shall be existing or new works created for temporary installation.
  • All visual media are accepted.
  • Content must be G-rated and suitable for the general public.
  • Flexible, dynamic installations that utilize display windows to their fullest potential and engage with the general public both day and night are preferred. Please note that no permanent or semi-permanent changes can be made to the space (no wall painting, window treatments, etc.)
  • Artists are responsible for the installation of their artwork, as well as all materials and consumables required for installations. (This includes hanging hardware, temporary walls, tools, ladders, and any other materials needed to safely and completely install the artwork.)
  • Artists are responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality work for the duration of the installation and will be asked to provide repair on request.
  • Artwork installation can take place between 10 AM and 5 PM Monday – Friday. You will be given a two-day window to schedule a time for installation, and the installation must be complete by 5 PM on the second day.
  • One application per artist or arts group. You can apply as a collective of two or more, but we prefer to have one applicant representing the collective. Collective proposals must be considered one cohesive installation.
  • Your installation cannot include window clings or anything that touches the glass, etc.
  • Stipend schedule: Artists will receive 50% payment after installation, and 50% after deinstallation. The total compensation for this project is $1500.
  • The total duration of this installation is approximately six months with installation dates in February, and August of 2025. Artists must be available for both installation and deinstallation of their work.
  • Artists who have been placed in the Storefronts South Lake Union program in the last two years are ineligible for placement. Applicants who did not receive placement are encouraged to reapply.

Submission Requirements

  • 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 (400 words or less)
    • Detailed technical and space requirements. Are there specific requirements of your work like lighting, specific dimensions, or electrical power?
    • Timeline required to prepare your project from date of notification – 2 months or less is preferred. How much advanced notice do you need to prepare your work and how long will it take to install?
    • Proposed materials, technical requirements, and installation plan
  • Mock-up, sketch or detailed written description of the project (existing or new) in a hypothetical space. This is to help panelists envision how your work will be displayed in a Storefronts location.

STOREFRONT LOCATIONS

As Shunpike partners with a wide range of properties, available storefronts are quite diverse, and we cannot guarantee any specific property, neighborhood, or timeframe for placement. The Storefronts manager will match proposals with available spaces at Shunpike’s sole discretion, in consultation with the artist.

All projects will be subtenants of Shunpike and all subleases will be subject to the terms and conditions of Shunpike’s master lease with the applicable property owner. The following is a summary of current spaces. At this time, 100% of our spaces are shallow display vitrines.

South Lake Union

  • Property Owner: Amazon
  • Number of vitrines: 8
  • Vitrines range from 15″ – 30″ in depth and from 3′ – over 20′ in width and 5′ – 10′ in height
  • Vitrines are not climate controlled and contain ambient humidity and in some cases strong sunlight and heat.
  • Not all vitrines have power, although most do. Lighting is timer controlled track lighting provided by Amazon.
  • Any additional electrical components must be UL certified, meet fire code and be approved by Amazon engineers.
  • Access to Amazon vitrines are limited to install and deinstall dates under supervision of the Storefronts Program Manager.