State of Rhode Island Governor's Portrait Commission

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), on behalf of Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea, is issuing a call for artists to commission an official painted portrait of former Governor Gina M. Raimondo. A commission fee of $50,000 will be offered, with additional stipends to cover travel, crating, and shipping of the finished work. This commission must be completed on or before November 2022. Rhode Island State Law Chapter 37-8-9 calls for the commissioning of an official portrait of each Rhode Island Governor. Rhode Island artists, women artists, artists of color, and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

The finished portrait must be not less than 29 x 25 and not more than 114 x 74 inches in size, frame included. The artist chosen will be required to work with and receive direction from the former governor regarding certain aspects of this commission, and work with the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission with respect to the framing of the finished portrait. The cost of all materials and framing will be at the artist's expense from the commission fee.

Artists must submit a resume, an image list, and six digital images of previous work relevant to this commission. All digital images must be accompanied by a document showing the name of the artist, the title of the work or subject, medium, size, year completed, and whether the work was commissioned. If commissioned, include information as to who commissioned the work and price or fee paid. Original works of art will not be accepted as part of the review process. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2021. A decision is anticipated by no later than December 2021.