Call for City of Bothell Downtown District Artist Roster

The City of Bothell and the Downtown District business community are seeking professional visual artists from King and Snohomish counties, and all Coast Salish artists to join an Artist Roster for future temporary and semi-permanent public art opportunities. The roster will support projects that enhance the Downtown District experience, create a more welcoming and vibrant environment, strengthen community identity, and support local businesses.

About Downtown Bothell

The City of Bothell, in partnership with the Downtown District business community, is investing in temporary public art to create a more unified, inviting experience throughout downtown and surrounding areas. This effort is part of a broader place-based strategy to strengthen identity, increase foot traffic, and support small businesses through creative activation.

Downtown Bothell is a growing hub of locally owned businesses working together to create a welcoming, neighborly place for residents and visitors. More than a commercial center, it’s a place rooted in hospitality, shared history, and a strong collaborative business community coming together to create a “Welcome Home” destination. A place where people feel invited for a day or a lifetime. This includes a commitment to reflecting the diversity of current and future residents, workers, and students.

The Downtown District is growing and welcoming new businesses beyond Main Street and the community from the University of Washington campus in Bothell, collaborating to create a destination where, no matter who you are or where you come from, Bothell is everyone's hometown.

The Downtown business community highlights a strong connection to the natural environment and local narratives, including the Sammamish River, native wildlife, farmland history, and the Bothell Landing pedestrian Bridge.

Downtown Bothell blends small-town charm with urban growth, where farm-town roots meet new development. This generational business community centers on stewardship and collaboration, with legacy businesses and new entrepreneurs supporting one another. In an increasingly diverse community, events and markets bring neighbors together in celebration. The business community is investing in visual art opportunities that will continue to express the informal and inviting character of the Downtown District and surrounding area while strengthening a sense of inclusion and belonging for residents and visitors alike. Artists are encouraged to interpret these themes broadly and creatively to create public art as cultural expression, engages the public and supports economic development.

Key Characteristics Include

• A collaborative, generational business community.
• Strong ties to nature, including the Sammamish River and local symbols like crows roosting, the Bothell Landing bridge, and more.
• A welcoming, inclusive “come as you are” culture.
• A spirit of mutual support and celebration among businesses.
• A growing, mixed-use district with expanding boundaries beyond Main Street.
• A commitment to cultural representation, storytelling, and community visibility.

Purpose of the Artwork

The City and Downtown Business District seek artwork that:

• Reflects Bothell’s identity, history, and diverse community.
• Highlights local people, cultures, and businesses.
• Creates interactive experiences that invite people to explore and linger.
• Strengthens downtown as a community-centered destination.
• Supports wayfinding, discovery, and a sense of cohesion across downtown, encouraging repeat visits.

Public Art to Enhance

• Walkability and draw foot traffic beyond Main Street including the University of WA Bothell campus.
• Connect historic roots with an emerging modern identity.
• Reflect local cultures and the natural environment.
• Expand perceptions of what “downtown” includes.
• Activate underutilized or transitional spaces.

Visual Artist Roster Opportunity

The City is building a Visual Artist Roster open to King and Snohomish County and all Coast Salish professional visual artists to be selected for temporary and semi-permanent public art projects. The City strongly encourages applications from artists representing historically underrepresented communities.

Artists working in all visual mediums are encouraged to apply, including murals, installation art, digital art, sculpture, photography, interactive art and more.

The Artist Roster will be used by both City-led public art commissions and private commissions initiated by downtown business and property owners to enhance the Bothell Downtown District experience. This program supports partnerships among artists, businesses, and the City to strengthen local identity and the creative economy. The City may serve as a connector or facilitator to align artists with interested businesses, helping to streamline partnerships and ensure projects align with district goals.

After submissions are reviewed, you will be notified if you were selected to be included in the Roster. Acceptance to the roster does not guarantee you will receive a project.

Locations and Public Art Strategies

The City in partnership with downtown businesses have identified existing infrastructure, pedestrian paths, and community gathering spaces as opportunities to showcase public art. Artwork may be installed on windows, exterior walls, sidewalks, crosswalks, fences, storefronts, lamp poles, and planter beds in key pedestrian corridors. 

Public art projects in 2026, with a total budget of $70k, will include printed vinyl murals, printed banner art, sidewalk art, painted murals, temporary art installations, interactive art, and more. If you have experience in these art forms or are looking for an opportunity to expand your art practice in any of these ways, please indicate that in your “Statement of Interest” and select all categories that apply in the online application form.

Projects may be initiated by the City or by private property and business owners participating in the Downtown District, with coordination support provided as needed.

Compensation: Budgets will vary by project based on scale, materials, and complexity.

Criteria for Artwork

• Artwork is original and unique to the artist and is not AI-generated.
• The artist must own all rights to images and content used in the artwork.
• Artwork is appropriate for Bothell’s Downtown Business District.
• The artwork must not contain any representations of traffic lights, signs, or signals, and should not aim to confuse or endanger drivers and pedestrians.
• The artwork must be appropriate for display in public spaces and viewing by a general audience, containing no advertising or branding.
• Artists must be 18 years or older.