Deadlines Approaches for Open Call for Designs of Three-Acre Artists at Play Project

SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than a week remains for Pacific Northwest-based artist/design teams to submit qualifications to be considered for the design and construction of the Artists at Play (AAP) children's play area at Seattle Center. The privately-funded, million-dollar project will transform up to three acres of asphalt just south of Harrison St. between Seattle Center Armory and EMP Museum into a free, artistically-inspired play area for kids of all ages.

"Artists at Play is one of the major benefits of the public-private partnership between the City and Center Art, LLC. Engaging local artists to design this playground brings us all closer together and makes this gift from the Howard S. Wright family even more meaningful," said Michelle Bufano, executive director of Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Initial planning meetings for the project kicked off in 2012. An Artists at Play Advisory Committee convened in the spring and early summer to define project goals and an inclusive artist/design team selection process.  In this next phase, the Artists at Play selection panel, which is drawn from the local community and represents a mix of disciplines including members of the AAP Advisory Group, has been established to review all artist/design team entries. The open call requests that entries include a brief artist statement of what is personally compelling to them about the project and articulate their creative concept.

In September, a shortlist of finalists will be identified, who will each receive a stipend to create a more complete proposal with scope, schedule, budget, and team members identified. Before the end of the year, a finalist will be selected and design work, including public engagement to inform development of the project, will get underway with a targeted opening in summer of 2014.

"We are thrilled to be working with Center Art on the Artists at Play project. It represents a significant gift to the community and an important contribution to the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan, which calls for enlivening that part of the grounds with accessible and creative, child-focused activities," said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams.

Applications must be submitted online by 11 p.m. PDT, Sept. 4. More information and the call for qualifications are available at http://www.seattlecenter.com/news/detail.aspx?id=1932.  

About Center Art LLC
Center Art LLC, owned by the Wright family, operates Chihuly Garden and Glass. Opened May 21, 2012, Chihuly Garden and Glass, brings together all the elements of Chihuly's work, including Drawings, signature glass series, large architectural installations and personal collections in a long-term exhibition.

About Seattle Center
Seattle Center serves as an extraordinary arts, civic and family gathering place in the core of our region. The more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations residing on the 74-acre campus, together with a broad range of public and community programs, offer nearly 5,000 events attracting 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income.

SOURCE Chihuly Garden and Glass