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This project is part of a historic twinning between the cities of Seattle and Nantes. The program is aimed at artists, landscape architects or architects living in the Seattle area, either alone or as part of a group, inviting them to create a permanent work of art, landscape or architecture in one of Nantes City’s most beautiful parks : Grand Blottereau Park.

In 2024-25, a new area will be created, incorporating native plants and vegetation used in the traditional life of the indigenous peoples of Washington State, particularly the Coast Salish people. It is in the heart of this area that the artist(s) will create an artistic, architectural or landscape work, representative of Seattle and Washington State.

This production will benefit from technical, financial and logistical support. The work of art, landscape or architecture will be produced on site, and the artist will have access to dedicated spaces and technical support from professional builders. The artist(s) will be in contact with Nantes City’s gardeners and local artists’ studios, and will be warmly welcomed to set up this artistic project, which will represent a bridge between Nantes and Seattle and a lasting mark on the park.

SELECTION CRITERIA
• Be a professional artist, landscape designer and/or architect, living and working in the Seattle metropolitan area (King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties) or affiliated with a Native American tribe in western Washington, alone or as part of a group.
• Have significant work experience in public spaces and/or gardens.
• Be available for a preliminary visit (spring 2024) and during the production residency period
in 2025.
• Be available to present your work in collaboration with the École des Beaux-arts de Nantes
(School of Fine Arts of Nantes) and other Nantes’ cultural organizations, so that the residency and production period can include events open to the public.

Particular attention will be paid to projects inspired by Seattle’s cultural diversity and the culture of the Coast Salish people.
We strongly encourage people from underrepresented communities or communities with fewer opportunities to apply.

• The aim of the work is to be visible, attractive and long-lasting. This physical landmark will contribute to the visibility and appeal of the Seattle area located in the heart of the Grand Blottereau park, at a distance from the main traffic arteries.
• The work will give this space a strong, distinctive identity. In fact, the plants and design of the garden alone are not sufficient to provide for this strong identification for the public.
• The work should be emblematic of Seattle, representative of its region and its biogeographical and cultural particularities.
• The work can incorporate a number of uses, such as furniture, shelter or signage.
• The work may consist of a single piece or be divided into several modules.
• The work can incorporate plants.
• The work can make use of the space’s water circulation system.
• The work cannot be illuminated, out of respect for the site’s biodiversity.
• A low-carbon footprint/sustainable approach is expected and should be taken into account
in the design, production, choice of materials, maintenance and upkeep of the work.

Please see the website listed for full details about this opportunity and how to submit your application. For questions, please contact seattlenantesSCA@gmail.com .

https://www.seattle-nantes.org

Opportunity Website

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