Oregon Zoo Education Center and West Plaza Public Art Commission

The Oregon Zoo is seeking professional artists or teams to create permanent artwork for a new Education Center and West Plaza. The Education Center will serve as a hub of environmental learning and conservation action, with visitor and classroom/instructional cores emphasizing the zoo's commitment to conservation, sustainability and education. The West Plaza will integrate and support the education center, train station, adjacent exhibits and food carts, featuring green living and sustainability principles.

Eligibility: Professional artists/teams living in the United States are eligible. Applicants must have successfully completed at least two major site-specific commissions informed by dialogue with a commissioning body. The selected artist will receive a $200,000 commission, inclusive of all fees, design, insurance, engineering, fabrication, delivery, permitting, installation, travel and site work. The contract is divided into proposal development and design ($20,000) and fabrication/installation ($180,000). Travel expenses for the initial site visit and interview will be covered at standard GSA rates.

The artwork should build on the goals of connections and wonder, considering principles of environmental literacy and sustainable action. A local community engagement component is of interest. The committee is open to considering either a singular artwork inside the Education Center or as part of the West Plaza, as well as multiple components for the site. Work sample requirements: 10-13 total samples (0-10 images and 0-3 videos). The Oregon Zoo Public Art Advisory Committee will review applications and select no more than four finalists for interviews. Contact: [email protected].