In 2010, Bellevue Arts Museum launched the BAM Biennial, a juried exhibition which focused on the work of established and emerging Northwest artists, craftspeople, and designers, with an emphasis on new work. Every two years, Bellevue Arts Museum has designated a new focus of exploration, be it a specific medium, technique, process, or theme in art, craft, and design. In 2018, it was decided that the fifth edition in the series, BAM Biennial 2018: BAM! Glasstastic would be the last Biennial to focus on a single given material. After five different media—fiber, clay, wood, metal, and glass—the next five Biennials will instead examine specific fields and areas of studies within the realm of art, craft, and design.

The 2021 BAM Biennial kicks off this new format by inviting designers, artists, and makers of all kinds to interrogate the fields of architecture and urban design.

With the Eastside being connected to Seattle through a light rail extension in 2023, and Amazon’s HQ2 project under construction in downtown Bellevue, Bellevue Arts Museum—itself a signature and important piece of the architecture of King County—seeks to promote a discussion on the essential role of effective and equitable design in what seems to be an ever-expanding urban environment.

The events of 2020 have underlined that Western society's assumptions around the utility and progression of the city are precisely that: only assumptions. They can be subject to the challenge of a pandemic, the imperatives of long-ignored injustices, or the excessive imposition of state power. The upheavals of recent months have raised important questions about the way we think of architecture and urban design. Should sustainability and density be continually reassessed to respond appropriately to the issues of tomorrow? Are we striving to create places to live and work that aims to be harmonious, equitable, and true?

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Participating Artists

Jurors

John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence

The artist(s) selected for the John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence receives $5,000 cash, plus an opportunity to present a solo exhibition at BAM within two years. The award winner is chosen by the Museum’s curatorial team and will be announced in early to mid-December.

Laura & Blair Dillaway People’s Choice Award 

The artist(s) selected for the Laura & Blair Dillaway People's Choice Award receives $5,000 cash. Museum visitors will have the opportunity to submit a ballot when they visit the exhibition to help select this year's award recipient. The award winner will be announced in early April, 2022.

About the BAM Biennial

The BAM Biennial focuses on work by Northwest artists, designers, and makers with an emphasis on current and new work. It is a juried exhibition, occurring every two years with a new theme.

Past Biennials

November 9, 2018 – April 14, 2019
BAM Biennial 2018: BAM! Glasstastic »

September 02, 2016 – February 05, 2017
BAM Biennial 2016: Metalmorphosis

October 31, 2014 – March 29, 2015
BAM Biennial 2014: Knock on Wood 

October 25, 2012 – February 24, 2013
BAM Biennial 2012: High Fiber Diet

August 28, 2010 – January 16, 2011
BAM Biennial 2010: Clay Throwdown!