Artists First

April 4, 2025 - May 23, 2025

Kirkland Arts Center and the UW's Museology Master's Program invites Washington State's game and animation artists to submit work for our upcoming exhibition, Artists First.

Artists First is being created to speak against the use of AI in game design and production, and to uplift the hand of the artist. It is a space for game and animation artists to create artworks that get in touch with what made you the artist you are today. We aim to showcase the range of passions of artists in the field, connect with one another, and celebrate your skills. Regardless of your job, you are artists first.

Artworks will be judged by how they showcase your identity as an artist and/or how they combat the new normalcy of integrating AI into the game and art worlds.

This exhibit is juried and curated by UW Museology candidates: Grace Gousman, Mariel Lees, and Emma Mattix-Wand

Important Dates:

Submit by: January 17, 2025

Accept/Decline Notices: February 15, 2025

Opening Reception Date: April 4, 2025

Closing Date: May 23, 2025

Submission Guidelines

All works must be original and created within the last 5 years.

Works may be any medium; however, works may not contain any AI generated material. If you have questions about this, please email us.

Subject matter should be suitable for general audiences

Due to space restrictions, works cannot exceed 72" in any direction. 3-D works cannot exceed 75 lbs.

Finishing & Delivery

Hanging pieces must be wired (no saw tooth hangers). Wire should be applied between 1/4 - 1/3 of the way down the length of the piece. 

Wet paintings will not be accepted.

Artists are responsible for any shipping or delivery costs.

Sales & Commission

All works may be sold throughout the duration of the exhibition. Sale price is determined by the artist.

KAC collects a 40% commission on all sales. We will handle all sales tax. 

User Entry Process Tutorial

You can leave this video on your call site's homepage (or embed it on any page) for a quick tutorial your users can watch to help them with the submission process.