City of Auburn, WA - Fire Hydrant Art - Public Art Opportunity
Submit 1-3 fire hydrant design proposals with 2-7 images of past work to be considered for selection as a public artist painting fire hydrants in downtown Auburn.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 40 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $400
- Location
- Auburn, Washington
- Applicants notified
- Sep 18, 2026
About
Overview
Downtown Auburn Cooperative, in collaboration with the City of Auburn and Auburn Arts Commission, is seeking artists to participate in a public art campaign. Selected artists will "adopt" fire hydrants around the Auburn Downtown area and create artistic designs for them. The goal is to embrace the artistic talents of local individuals while displaying creative artwork throughout the community.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 9, 2026 at 10:59 PM
- Selected artists notified by: September 18, 2026
- Painting dates: Fall 2026 (TBD)
Eligibility
Open to Washington State Pierce and King County artists, with preference given to local Auburn artists.
What to Submit
- Completed online application via Café application by September 9, 2026
- 1-3 proposed fire hydrant design(s) using provided template
- 2-7 images of past work supporting your proposed design and ability to paint it on a fire hydrant
Award & Fees
- Stipend: $400 per hydrant selected
- Program is free to enter
Design Requirements & Restrictions
Artists must use high quality outdoor acrylic paint. Hydrants are visible from all sides; designs should engage viewers from every angle. Prohibited: inappropriate words, advertisements, graphic content, political messages, glued or attached objects, camouflage designs, dark colors or excessive white (reduces visibility). Specific areas must be taped off per fire code. Finished hydrants must be sealed with exterior grade protective coating.
Selected Artist Responsibilities
- Paint designs as submitted and approved on fire hydrants at dates TBD in Fall 2026
- Use high quality outdoor acrylic paint that withstands the elements
- Invest in various brush sizes for crisp, clean lines on irregular surfaces
- Apply multiple coats for smooth, even base coat without streaking
- Use paint pens for clear, legible writing
- Seal finished hydrant with protective coating (exterior grade Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel recommended)
Contact
City of Auburn: [email protected], 253-931-5100
- Award
- $400 per selected artist
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Theme
- Artists are encouraged to incorporate the character and history of Auburn, the surrounding environment, and neighborhood into their artwork, celebrating Auburn's people, natural beauty, culture, history, contributions and folklore.
- Eligibility
- Open to Washington State Pierce and King County artists, with preference given to local Auburn artists.
- Audience
- Washington State Pierce and King County artists, with preference to local Auburn artists
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.