18th & Empire Avenue Roundabout in Bend, Oregon

Art in Public Places, a non-profit organization that has donated public art throughout Bend, Oregon since 1973, seeks artists for a large-scale sculpture commission at the 18th Street & Empire Avenue roundabout in NE Bend. The roundabout is located in a growing commercial and residential area with over 25,000 cars per day traffic count, surrounded by business parks, residential developments, and near Pine Nursery Park and Ponderosa Elementary.

The sculpture will be placed in the interior portion of the roundabout, approximately 33 ft. in diameter, with a designated area of roughly 22 ft. by 17 ft. for sculpture footings in the NE corner. Materials must be durable to weather and UV conditions in Oregon and designed for low maintenance. The selected artist will work with a conservator and must provide stamped engineering drawings with stability design review. Installation must be completed by an Oregon-licensed contractor from the City of Bend's approved list.

The maximum project budget is $150,000 covering design, fabrication, installation, engineering drawings, subcontractors, footings, shipping, insurance, travel, warranty bond, and restorative landscaping. Artists must submit six digital images of completed large-scale outdoor works from the last 15 years and a two-page document including a statement of interest (250 words or less) and detailed image information with references. Three finalists will receive a $1,750 stipend for travel and design time, with final selection following design presentations and public input in June 2026. Installation is scheduled for Summer 2027.