Port Headquarters Public Art Commission

The Port of Portland is seeking artists and artist teams for a public art commission at its new headquarters building currently under construction in Portland, Oregon. The building is scheduled to open in spring 2010 and will include office space for approximately 400 employees, a parking structure with 3,000 long-term parking spaces, and sustainable design features including LEED Platinum certification.

The vision for the Public Art Program is that artwork metaphorically and/or formally connect people to the Port of Portland mission as well as to the Pacific Northwest. Selected artists are encouraged to consider the project's sustainable goals when designing their work. Potential sites for public art include the exterior entry plaza, ground floor lobby, an atrium extending from the 8th to 10th floors, an outdoor deck on the 8th floor, and a wall in a large conference room. Commissioned artwork may be large scale two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or integrated works. Capital budget augmentation will be available when appropriate, including engineering for on-site structural and electrical support.

The selection committee will select multiple artists/teams through an interview process based on the quality of past work, proven ability to work with project design teams, and availability to begin work immediately. Selected artists will attend periodic meetings with the design team, provide schematics for review, make presentations as needed, and participate in the installation process. Final budgets for each site will be determined following artist selection. The submission deadline is January 10, 2008 at 12:00 Midnight Mountain Time. Artist selection interviews are scheduled for the week of February 18, 2008, with concept design due March/April 2008 and installation coordinated with construction. Applications must include a one-page statement of interest, résumé (maximum 3 pages), 12 images of past work, and three professional references. All materials must be submitted online via CaFÉ at www.callforentry.org.