Click here to download the Submission Guidelines
About the program:
The Storefronts & Artist Residencies program transforms empty commercial spaces into vibrant hubs for creativity and community engagement. Launched in response to the 2008 economic downturn and expanded as part of Seattle Restored (2021-2025), the program has a 15-year track record of revitalizing urban neighborhoods by turning vacant storefronts into public art exhibitions and artist residencies.
Today, the program supports artists and creative entrepreneurs by providing high-visibility locations, financial support, and business development workshops to grow their professional practice. Through partnerships—such as the ongoing collaboration with Amazon in the South Lake Union and Allen Family Philanthropies across Downtown neighborhoods—the Storefronts & Artist Residencies program hosts 50+ artists annually, breathing new life into the urban core while enriching the cultural and economic fabric of Seattle’s downtown and surrounding communities.
About the application:
This application cycle is for the 2026 year of window art displays in South Lake Union The Storefronts manager will match proposals with available South Lake Union spaces at Shunpike’s sole discretion, following review by a panel made up of former participants, Shunpike board members, and a client representative. We cannot guarantee a specific property or placement timeframe.
There will be two exhibition rounds: one running from February through August 2026, and another from August 2026 through February 2027.
Storefronts: South Lake Union Program Timeline
(all dates are approximate and subject to change)
- Entry Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Artist Notifications: By the end of December
- Round 1 installation: February 16 & 17, 2026
- Round 1 deinstallation: August 3 & 4, 2026
- Round 2 installation: August 17 & 18, 2026
- Round 2 deinstallation: February 8 & 9, 2027
Eligibility & Application
- One application per artist or arts group. You can apply as a collective of two or more, but we prefer to have one applicant representing the collective. Collective proposals must be considered one cohesive installation. (please note we will only issue one stipend to one individual, checks cannot be split between multiple parties)
- Artists who have been placed in the Storefronts South Lake Union program in the last two years are ineligible for placement.
- Applicants who are current or future participants in a Downtown artist residency are eligible for placement.
- Applicants who have applied in the past and not received placement are encouraged to reapply
Artwork Requirements
- Works shall be existing or new works created for temporary installation.
- All visual media are accepted.
- Content must be G-rated and suitable for the general public.
- Flexible, dynamic installations that utilize display windows to their fullest potential and engage with the general public both day and night are preferred.
Installation Logistics & Responsibilities
- Artwork installation can take place between 10 AM and 4 PM on designated installation days. You will be given a two-day window to schedule a time for installation, and the installation must be complete by 4 PM on the second day.
- Artists are responsible for the installation of their artwork, as well as all materials and consumables required for installations. (This includes hanging hardware, temporary walls, tools, ladders, and any other materials needed to safely and completely install the artwork.)
- Artists are responsible for producing and maintaining high-quality work for the duration of the installation and will be asked to provide repair on request. Installations cannot be changed or modified during the duration of exhibition outside of a request from Storefronts management.
Restrictions
- Your installation cannot include window clings, signage, or anything that touches the glass.
- Any tags or signage that contain a price or solicitation will be removed.
- No permanent or semi-permanent changes can be made to the space (no wall painting, window treatments, etc.)
- Placement decisions will be made only using the information included in your application. Requests to change placement after acceptance may not be accommodated.
Stipend
The total compensation for this project is $1500, paid in two installments (50% after installation, 50% after deinstallation). Please note: there are no additional reimbursements for materials.
Submission Requirements:
- Artist bio, 400 words or less.
- Artist statement, 400 words or less.
- 4 – 6 representative work samples with related work list.
- Project proposal including:
- Conceptual statement (400 words or less)
- Detailed technical and space requirements. Are there specific requirements of your work like lighting, specific dimensions, or electrical power?
- Timeline required to prepare your project from date of notification – 2 months or less is preferred. How much advanced notice do you need to prepare your work and how long will it take to install?
- Proposed materials, technical requirements, and installation plan
- Mock-up, sketch or detailed written description of the project (existing or new) in a hypothetical space. This is to help panelists envision how your work will be displayed in a Storefronts location.
Access a “Wide” Storefronts Template
Access a “Tall” Storefronts Template
South Lake Union Specific Information
All projects will be subtenants of Shunpike and subject to the terms and conditions of Shunpike’s master lease with the property owner.
At this time, 100% of available spaces are shallow display vitrines provided by Amazon.
Vitrine Details:
- Depth: 15–30 inches
- Width: 3–20+ feet
- Height: 5–10 feet
- Glass-front display cases; not climate-controlled
- Conditions may include ambient humidity, direct sunlight, and heat
- Most vitrines have timer-controlled track lighting provided by Amazon; some do not have electrical power
Technical Requirements:
- Any additional electrical components must be UL-certified, meet fire code, and be pre-approved by Amazon engineers
- Access to vitrines is restricted to installation and deinstallation days under supervision of the Storefronts Program Manager
Questions? Email programs@shunpike.org.
