FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ronda Billerbeck, Cultural Programs Manager, City of Kent

rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov

253-856-5055 

Image credit: Ryan Chastain, Marina Sunset, Photograph 

Kent Creates exhibit – call for entries

Web platform allows artists to network, share creativity

“On the Water” exhibit open now through June 30 

KENT, Wash. — April 20, 2018 – The Kent Arts Commission is seeking entries for an online exhibit via Kent Creates, a web platform for sharing art, culture, and creative endeavors. 

The most recent exhibit for Kent Creates is open April 20 through June 30 and focuses on the theme of “On the Water.” The call for entries reads: 

One of the defining characteristics and significant benefits of living in the great Northwest is our access to and integral relationship with

The “On the Water” exhibit is open to any creative endeavor – photographs, paintings, poems, recipes, short films, songs, or stories – anything creative minds can dream up. Work may be submitted through June 30, at which time the exhibit will close. The Kent Arts Commission will select the top five pieces, which will receive $200 honorariums and featured status on the site. 

Kent Creates encourages Kent residents to be creative; it is a web platform for artists, musicians, writers, crafters, illustrators, dancers, filmmakers, hobbyists, and other creatives to share their work and meet people with similar interests. Creative work of all kinds may be shared on KentCreates.com. Kent Creates is free to use and anyone can sign up; there is no requirement to live in Kent. 

Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington with a population over 127,000.  A culturally rich destination, Kent features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and exceptional school districts. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit KentWA.gov. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ronda Billerbeck, Cultural Programs Manager, City of Kent

rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov

253-856-5055 

(one youth and one adult vacancy) 

KENT, WA – February 15, 2018 – The City of Kent Arts Commission is currently seeking volunteer members (both adult and youth) to advise city staff and assist in bringing high quality arts and cultural experiences to Kent residents. 

The Kent Arts Commission celebrated its 42^nd anniversary in October 2017.  Founded by City Ordinance in 1975, the Commission is an advisory board of 14 volunteer citizens, appointed by the Mayor to promote cultural programs and provide citizen input to the planning of arts and cultural activities in Kent.  Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services staff provides support to this group. Major programs include: an extensive public art program, performing arts, two grant programs, and several special community events and festivals. The Commission also offers free or low-cost community workshops and school residencies in conjunction with many performances and visual arts programs. 

Candidates should have a commitment to the arts in our community and some knowledge or background in the arts. Candidates must reside or own property within the City or one of its utility or parks department service areas or, alternatively, work or own a business within the City’s municipal boundaries. Youth candidates must be of high school age and attend a Kent school or live within the City of Kent’s municipal boundaries. Commissioners attend monthly meetings and assist with events throughout the year. Interested candidates should contact Cultural Programs Manager Ronda Billerbeck at rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov for more information. 

Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington with a population of 118,200.  A culturally rich destination, Kent features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, exceptional school districts and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit KentWA.gov. 

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Deadline: March 21, 2018 5:00 pm

Eligibility: Open to Artists residing in Washington State. Kent residents and first-time applicants are encouraged to apply. 

The City of Kent seeks prints, photographs, paintings, works on paper and other types of artwork for the juried Kent Summer Art Exhibit. All artworks selected for the juried exhibit are then eligible for City Art Purchase Awards and Kent Arts Commission Exhibit Awards. To accommodate a large number of accomplished, regional artists, the exhibition is displayed salon style in the Centennial Center Gallery and adjacent conference rooms. The exhibition will be on display from June 6th through August 22, 2018. 

An Awards Panel will award a total of $15,000 to one or more artists to receive The City Art Purchase Award. This panel will also choose between 3‐5 artists to receive the 2018-2019 Kent Arts Commission Centennial Center Gallery Exhibit Award. Artists are eligible to receive multiple awards. 

All participating artists and their guests will be invited to the Summer Art Exhibit Reception Wednesday, June 6, 2018 (6:30-8:00 pm). 

More Information: apply.4culture.org

Give Me Culture Grants

The City of Kent Arts Commission’s “Give Me Culture” program offers small, flexible grants to individuals, organizations and community groups for arts and culture projects and events that serve the general public in Kent. Awards are intended to broaden participation in, and showcasing of, arts and culture activities, especially by ethnically diverse or under served communities. 

· $1,000 award maximum

· No deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, year-round (must be received at least three months before the start of the project or event date) 

How to apply:

o Read the program Guidelines and Application Information

o Contact the Cultural Programs office to speak with a project manager about your idea. (253-856-5050 or rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov)

o Complete and submit the application form

Questions: 

(253) 856-5050

Rbillerbeck@kentwa.gov

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