The Visual Chronicle of Portland, OR

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is seeking works on paper—prints, drawings, paintings on paper and photographs—to purchase for the Visual Chronicle of Portland collection. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.

The Visual Chronicle of Portland is a collection of original works on paper that portray artists' perceptions of what makes Portland, Oregon unique. Owned by the City, the collection has grown to 330 works by nearly 200 different artists since its inception in 1985. Works are displayed in publicly accessible spaces in City of Portland and Multnomah County buildings. The collection reflects a diversity of populations, artistic disciplines and points of view, serving as a visual narrative of greater Portland and revealing the city's distinctive and diverse personality as seen and interpreted by artists familiar with the region.

Original work produced by artists within the last three years is eligible. Artwork must be created with archival media on archival paper, no larger than approximately 24" x 30", and be an original work, photograph, or handmade print of limited edition. Original zine art or graphic narrative style artwork is welcome if produced on archival paper with archival media. Selection will be made based on how well the work matches the purpose and spirit of the Visual Chronicle—conveying perceptions of what makes Portland unique. An independent panel of artists, curators and historians will select artwork in a two-part process: digital images are submitted and reviewed first, then artists with selected work will be asked to deliver the actual artwork to RACC for final selection. The combined 2016/2017 budget is $20,000. Submissions must include up to 6 images of artwork with title, year produced, dimensions, and cost for each image; an optional artist statement (up to 250 words); and a two-page PDF résumé or bio.