FAQ
What is the Selection Criteria for choosing Cover Artists?
Artists 18 years or older who have officially participated in Olympia's Arts Walk within the last two years 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.
Artists are selected with the goal of showcasing a wide range of artistic styles, media, and subject matter to reflect the creative diversity of Arts Walk. Applications must include a digital portfolio of five images of the artist's work, which are evaluated for excellence in craftsmanship, consistency of style, originality, suitability for reproduction in print media, and potential to engage a broad audience.
Artists should keep in mind that audiences will be broad-based and all ages, and artwork should be appropriate for public display and must not violate any copyright or right of publicity/likeness, or any other law. Any content, photos, or linked information must not violate Washington’s Law Against Discrimination, RCW C49.60.
What materials are required with an application?
Applicants must complete the online application form and submit a portfolio of five images of current artwork that best represents their artistic style, preferred medium, and creative approach.
Each image must be accompanied by the artwork's title, dimensions, and medium, and adhere to the acceptable file types specified in the application. Applicants will also be asked to provide information about their artistic practice, creative process, and previous participation in Olympia Arts Walk.
What are important dates?
October 22, 2026: Applications open for submissions
November 22, 2026: Applications close at 11:45 P.M.
Early December, 2026: Jury panel meets to review applications and select a recommendation for spring and fall Olympia Arts Walk plus one alternate. The 2027 panel includes Arts Commissioner Mara Orenstein, Downtown Olympia Creative District Board Member Mariella Luz, and Fall 2026 Cover Artist Devin River.
December 11, 2026: The jury's recommendations for the 2027 cover artist commission are presented to the Arts Commission, and final selections are made.
January 13, 2027: Initial concept sketches for the cover from selected Arts Walk cover artists are due for Arts Commission review.
February 18, 2027: Final commissioned works due.
Is there anything else I should know when applying?
Selected artists will enter into a contract to sell their commissioned artwork to the City of Olympia, with the $1,000 stipend fully covering the purchase price. Artists must hold a valid Washington State business license with a City of Olympia endorsement to receive payment. Additionally, selected artists are asked to exhibit their commissioned artwork during the Arts Walk event where it's featured on the cover.
Commissioned artwork must be suitable for reproduction in Arts Walk publications, with a square format preferred. Three-dimensional works must be photographable in a comparable format. Artists should provide finished artwork unframed for the City to frame, when applicable.
Images of the artwork are featured on Arts Walk maps, posters, and other print and digital promotional materials, and the physical work is added to the City of Olympia’s public art collection.
The artist retains all rights under the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq., as the sole author of the artwork for the duration of the copyright. The artist will assign to the City all rights to future reproduction of the work for promotional and fundraising purposes. In view of the intention that the artwork composition be unique, the artist shall not make any exact duplicate two-dimensional reproductions of the artwork.
What kind of art forms are eligible to apply?
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.