Site Structures - Public Works Campus in Bend, Oregon

The City of Bend in partnership with Art in Public Places (AiPP) invites art students, emerging and professional artists and graphic designers living in Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook County in Oregon to apply for a design-based commission for three Site Structures on the City's Public Works Campus. Artists will design inspired 2-D graphic art to be laser cut onto rusted Corten metal panels that will serve as exterior cladding for a Bike Shelter, Trash Enclosure, and Central Utility Plant Enclosure. Artists must provide digital files (DXF or DWG) for use by a local metal fabricator to laser cut the design onto flat Corten metal panels. The project timeline is January–April 2025.

Design fees are $2,500 for the Trash Enclosure, $5,000 for the Bike Shelter, and $7,500 for the Central Utility Plant Surround Structure, based on the overall scale of each structure. One or more artists may be selected. The Trash Enclosure gates comprise 4 Corten panels, each 7'-6" tall x 6'-0" wide, with artwork ideally no more than approximately 40% open/perforated. The Bike Shelter north wall comprises approximately 7 Corten panels, each 7'-0" tall x 4'-0" wide, with artwork ideally no more than approximately 40% open/perforated. The Central Utility Plant Enclosure extends up to 85' in length.

Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the unique contributions of Public Works departments, the Native history of the location, or the natural environment and distinctive features of Central Oregon. The graphic art should be pixelated and abstracted to create perforations in the metal panels. Perforations can be various sizes of points, circles, or other shapes as they relate to the art or inspiration. Each Site Structure could have a separate graphic designed for it, or all three structures could be integrated as one graphic design element. Finalists will work directly with the design-build team to review and finalize designs, confirm panel specifications, and review/approve mock-ups prior to installation. The City of Bend and AiPP actively encourage individuals from BIPOC communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists to apply, and value the participation of emerging local artists and students.