ArtsWA Public Artist Roster | Artist Mentor Support for Applicants
Peer support and guidance for underserved Washington artists applying to ArtsWA's Public Artist Roster.
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You must complete our interest form to be considered for mentorship


ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. Our Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) is working to make the 2021-2025 Public Artist Roster our most inclusive and equitable ever. The Roster is our main tool for choosing artists for projects. It is a list of artists who pre-qualify to create artworks through our program. We commission artworks for state agencies, colleges, universities, and public schools throughout Washington.

We recognize the importance of a strong, diverse roster. We also recognize that our past rosters have underrepresented the following:

  • artists of color
  • rural artists and those based in Central and Eastern Washington
  • emerging public artists and studio artists shifting to public art


    • What is this program?

    As part of our efforts to diversify who applies to the Roster, we are offering Washington artists peer-to-peer support through Artists Up Mentorly program. We will provide a limited number of 30-minute video-call mentor sessions. Artist Mentors will help artists prepare their portfolios and apply.

    Artist Mentors have completed a project with us. They are leaders in the field. They represent many different artistic disciplines and perspectives.
    our goals

  • to encourage underserved artists to apply
  • to create and foster community among public artists
  • for artists to benefit from professional development


    • If you are interested in receiving mentorship

    eligibility

  • you are a Washington State resident
  • you are at least 18 years old, and not currently enrolled in a degree program
  • you identify as an emerging public artist or an artist transitioning to public art from a studio practice


    • ideas to discuss with your mentor

  • help putting together your portfolio and choosing images
  • how to craft an artist statement
  • how to write clear image descriptions
  • what it is like to be a practicing public artist
  • general career advice


    • For technical or program-specific questions, please contact our program team.

    Please complete our interest form to be considered for mentorship

    Image captions: Kana Tanaka fabricates components for “Cascade,” 2013 at Washington State University-Spokane. Etsuko Ichikawa installs “Floating Colors,” 2018 at Pullman High School. Juan Alonso-Rodríguez installing “Hoody,” 2017 at Renton Technical College. Norie Sato installs “Seed Clouds,” 2017 at the University of Washington.

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