Skip to content

Arts Walk Cover Art Search 2027

Cover Artist Application

Thank you for your interest in the City of Olympia's 2027 Arts Walk Cover Art Search!

Through this call, two artists will be selected and commissioned by the City of Olympia to each create a new, original work of art to serve as the signature promotional image for Arts Walk's 2027 events—one for spring and one for fall. Each selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend for their commissioned artwork, which will be prominently featured in event publications and promotional materials.

Artists working in a wide range of media are encouraged to apply, including those creating 2D and 3D works, installations, performances, and other art forms that can be effectively captured through photography for publication.

Eligibility

Artists ages 18 and older who officially participated in Olympia Arts Walk in 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply.

Qualifying participation includes exhibiting work individually or as part of a group at a registered Arts Walk location, or participating as a registered Artist Vendor at the Olympia Arts Walk Arts Market.

To Apply

1. Review the Cover Artist FAQ and Application Guidelines for complete submission requirements and additional information about the opportunity.
2. Select five images of your work that best represent your artistic style, preferred medium, and ability to create compelling artwork suitable for use as Arts Walk's signature promotional image across print and digital materials. Consider selecting works that demonstrate consistency of style, originality, and the ability to connect with a broad audience.
3. Complete and submit the application form below by November 22, 2026, at 11:45 p.m.

We recommend drafting your responses in a separate document and copying them into the application form when ready, as the form does not allow you to save your progress and return later.

The City of Olympia is committed to being an inclusive, affirming, and equitable place for our community members and staff to live, play, and work. We adhere to the nondiscriminatory treatment of all persons in employment and the delivery of services and resources. We strongly encourage people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, transgender, nonbinary, LGBTQ+, immigrants, people with disabilities, and women to apply.
1.Artist Information(Required.)
2.Artist Website (optional)
4.Which Olympia Arts Walk event did you most recently participate in that qualifies you to apply for this opportunity?(Required.)
5.Tell us where you participated and whether you exhibited your work individually, as part of a group, or as an Arts Market Artist Vendor.(Required.)
6.Describe the focus of your studio work, including the media in which you are most fluent and the themes that inspire you. (400 words or less)(Required.)
7.If applicable, describe how your cultural heritage influences or is reflected in your work. (300 words or less)

If your work draws from cultural traditions or influences outside your own heritage, please describe any permissions obtained or relationships established with the originating artists or communities, how you acknowledge the original sources, and how you demonstrate respect for and understanding of the cultural traditions and people represented or reflected in your work.
8.Selected Arts Walk cover artists typically have approximately 30 days to develop and submit an initial concept sketch for review, followed by an additional 30 days to complete their commissioned artwork.

Please describe your creative process, from initial concept development through completion, and identify any challenges you anticipate in meeting this timeline. (200 words or less)(Required.)
Work Samples
Please submit a portfolio of 5 images of current artwork similar to what you would create for an Arts Walk cover. If selected for the cover commission, the expectation is that the artwork be similar in content, style and theme to work submitted here.
  • Accepted File Types: JPEG, PNG, or GIF
  • File Size: 1–5 MB per image
  • File Naming: Your first and last name, followed by the corresponding image number (e.g., JaneDoe_1.jpg).
For additional image upload tips, see the Cover artist FAQ and application guidelines
9.Image 1(Required.)
No file chosen
10.Artwork Title, Dimensions, & Medium (image 1)(Required.)
11.Image 2(Required.)
No file chosen
12.Artwork Title, Dimensions, & Medium (image 2)(Required.)
13.Image 3(Required.)
No file chosen
14.Artwork Title, Dimensions, & Medium (image 3)(Required.)
15.Image 4(Required.)
No file chosen
16.Artwork Title, Dimensions, & Medium (image 4)(Required.)
17.Image 5(Required.)
No file chosen
18.Artwork Title, Dimensions, & Medium (image 5)(Required.)