Call for Art: Madras Campus Expansion Public Art

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is seeking an artist to create an outdoor sculptural installation for the Madras Campus expansion. The commission is for an exterior piece to be placed along the exterior of building 2, visible to both vehicle and foot traffic. The new 24,000-square-foot facility will serve Jefferson County through four cornerstone programs: Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, and bilingual Early Childhood Education (English/Spanish), with an on-site childcare center accommodating up to 100 children.

The selected artist will receive a commission not exceeding $30,000, which includes all related expenses such as artist fees, fabrication, insurance, shipping, travel, and project meetings for design revisions, installation, and documentation. The site will be provided as-is. Artists should review lighting prior to proposal submission; no additional lighting or alterations to the space are permissible. The project completion deadline is December 12, 2025, with an unveiling planned for January 2026.

Phase 1 applications must include: a letter of interest (maximum 2 pages) describing reasons for interest and relevant experience; 5-10 images of previous site-specific public work with descriptions, mediums, dimensions, year created, and installation location; and a professional resume (maximum 2 pages). Top finalists will be selected to propose a specific design for the location. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, relevance to the campus mission and community values, proven public art experience, feasibility within timeline and budget, site suitability, and durability/maintenance standards. The selection committee, comprised of COCC staff, faculty, and student representatives, will select 3-5 finalists for in-person or virtual interviews. Eligibility is limited to local artists in Oregon, and all applicants must be at least 18 years of age.