RFQ: North Portland Aquatic Center – Exterior Sculpture Series

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Rendering of the North Portland Aquatic Center, exterior view, Fessenden Street facing south

Important Dates   

  • August 19, 2026 – RFQ launch
  • September 23, 2026 – Applications due
  • September-November 2026 – Panel review + artist selection including interviews
  • December 2026-February 2027 – Artist onboarding + initial design phase
  • February 2027-February 2029 – Design refinement + fabrication
  • February 2029-May 2029 – Artwork complete and installed 

In partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the Office of Arts & Culture (OoAC) at the City of Portland, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) invites artists/artist teams living and working in the USA to submit qualifications for a series of site-specific exterior sculptural artworks to be located along and within the entry paths and plaza which will surround the soon-to-be newly constructed North Portland Aquatic Center (NPAC) in Portland, Oregon. One artist/artist team will be selected to create a sequence of integrated and/or free-standing sculptural works which will be prominently located on the north, east, and south sides of the new facility, greeting NPAC patrons, staff, and park visitors as they approach and enter the new building. Set within the heart of Portland Parks & Recreation’s Northgate Park, the new North Portland Aquatic Center will provide North Portland residents with increased access to recreational aquatic programming and facilities, including a focused outreach to underserved communities who have been historically excluded from public pools. This future state-of-the-art aquatic facility will act as a community anchor providing an indoor pool with play features, a competitive lap pool, spa, lockers, and reservable party rooms. The new aquatic center will be nestled between the Portsmouth and St Johns neighborhoods and located on the TriMet Frequent Service bus route #4 on N Fessenden Street, in North Portland. The budget available for the commission comes from the City of Portland’s Percent for Art Program and is $165,000, all inclusive. Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11.59pm PDT.   

Art Opportunity  

We are seeking an artist or artist team to create a series of site-specific exterior sculptural artworks for the North Portland Aquatic Center. It is possible for the sequence of sculptures to lead people along the new northeast and/or southwest side entry pathways and through the east side plaza, creating moments of welcome and connection as you approach and enter the new aquatic center or continue through the park. The sculptures, which will be installed around the exterior of the building, will be prominently located. Greeting patrons and staff, the artwork will create a sense of arrival, welcome, and inclusivity well before entering through the building doors. In addition, the northeast and/or southwest side sculptural works may be visible to traffic along N Fessenden Street and N Geneva Avenue, depending on the final agreed upon art site(s), contributing to the renewed streetscapes of this significant community resource.  

There is potential for the sculpture series to be integrated into the proposed landscaped areas, plaza design, and exterior features, to be free-standing, or to be a combination of both. For example, it is imagined that some elements of the sculpture series will be 3-dimensional and others could be reliefs or engravings. PP&R, OoAC, RACC, and other project team members are open-minded about how the tangible results of this project may manifest. Therefore, applications from artists working in a wide-range of durable sculptural mediums are encouraged, such as metal, stone, mosaic, concrete, glass, and wood. These artworks must be easy to maintain, withstand the natural elements of the Pacific Northwest, and be long-lasting. We expect the artist(s) to determine the material(s) for their work through conversations with RACC and the project team, taking other design considerations for the facility into account. 

Accessible from multiple sides of the building, the entry plaza and pathways will serve as critical connectors between the main and competition entrances as well as the parking areas and broader neighborhood park. Many of the existing trees are being preserved with the addition of new trees and plantings to soften hardscapes and maintain the park-like atmosphere, creating an opportunity for integration between these elements and the sculptural artworks. Various benches and outdoor seating areas will be located throughout the plaza which could also present as engaging art sites, allowing patrons time to linger with the artworks. As this sequence of sculptures will be highly visible to pedestrian traffic coming in and out of the building as well as to those who frequent the park, it is important that the artwork engage the public. Easily maintainable and durable interactive, multisensory, tactile and/or kinetic elements could also be considered to allow for expanded engagement by children and users of all abilities.

The series of original sculptural artworks will be integrated with the landscape design of both the entry paths and plaza, evoking themes of diversity, celebration and community. Due to the notable installation sites for the sequence of sculptures, views of the artworks from all angles should be considered. Similarly, pedestrian traffic from the parking areas, broader park and along the nearby streets will benefit from close interaction with the sculptures. The network of pedestrian walking routes should be studied, to find a balance between interacting with the sculptures and not disrupting the flow of circulation. Therefore, the relationship and creative dialogue between the multiple art sites and artworks should be considered. We expect aspects of the exterior artwork to translate to scale so that the sculptures can also be enjoyed from a distance as people travel by car and public transportation along N Fessenden Street and N Geneva Avenue.  

Foundations, lighting, exact locations, and the number of artworks is all to be determined in conjunction with PP&R, OoAC, RACC, selected artist(s), project design team, and project contractor team, depending on the final size, scale, and material of the sculptures. All materials and fabrication are the responsibility of the artist with RACC’s support. The site lighting plan will be shared with the selected artist/artist team which has standard lighting and illumination coverage for public pedestrian areas. Any additional lighting needs or technology/IT connections will be coordinated as part of the artist’s budget. The artist(s) will be responsible for delivering a series of completed artworks installed on site as a final deliverable. The artist(s) and RACC will coordinate installation with the project team, construction contractor and any third-party vendors.  

The project and design team has stewarded an extensive series of community engagement sessions since 2022, and it is expected for the selected artist(s) to build upon that foundation. There is a deep desire for the diverse range of populations whom the aquatic center will serve to be reflected and represented within the artwork. The sculpture series may represent multiple stories or weave together threads of a single narrative. The intention is to uplift the communities of North Portland, celebrate their histories and diversity, and evoke joy. As the exterior sculptures will be the first pieces of public art visible as people arrive at the facility, it is vital for these artworks to generate a sense of place, welcome, and belonging that the surrounding communities, neighbors, NPAC staff, and visitors can feel aligned with and proud of.  

Information Session for Artists 

The information in this RFQ is also described in a recorded video which can be accessed here. Please click the link and use passcode !FPG0WEa to access the recording. We strongly encourage you to review the recorded info session, especially if you are a first-time applicant as more information about this opportunity is shared and there are details on how to submit application materials.  

If you have questions about the info session, the opportunity or need any accommodations in order to access these resources, please email project manager, Sophie, at shook@racc.org. 

Artwork Goals and Qualities 

The goal is for the many works of art at the aquatic center to be representative of, and informed by, the myriad of communities that live, work, and play in Portsmouth, St Johns, and other surrounding neighborhoods of North and Northeast Portland, in particular under-represented, marginalized, and historically displaced communities. Communities served by NPAC should be reflected in the new works of art through innovative and original visioning, artistic expression, and creative storytelling. Community engagement and planning work has identified that there is a deep desire for the sculpture series to instill a sense of place and belonging, creating a warm, inviting, and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome in this new facility, regardless of background, abilities, or lifestyles. 

Through conversations during the community engagement process, one important aspiration that was shared for the artwork at NPAC was that it celebrates the diversity, history, culture, iconography, and identity of those who have contributed to building North Portland. Given the history of displacement for Black and Indigenous community members in the neighborhood, and beyond, it was suggested that the selected artist(s) consider, in their creative process, the diverse local histories and experiences of those marginalized communities, acknowledging their richness and multiplicity. The community has conveyed desires for spaces which reflect their spirit and stories, where their cultures, values, and histories can be expressed and celebrated.  

Through the engagement process, community members have expressed aspirations for the artwork to: 

  • Create a welcoming and inviting place for all; celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion; inspiring hope and empowerment; providing joy and celebration; and integrating the art into the facility design.  
  • Invoke a sense of hope, healing, joy, vitality, and playfulness.  
  • Honor the past while also creating space to explore greater possibilities for the future.  
  • Celebrate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the local geography of the area such as the confluence of two rivers and other bodies of water, trees and greenery, flora and fauna, wildlife, and broader ecology. 

It is also important to consider the longevity of the sculptures and how the artwork will evolve over time as the neighborhood shifts, ensuring that the artwork and community grow alongside one another, maintaining a bond, deepening their connection, and continuing to be in dialogue together. The sculpture series should take these design directives into consideration, complementing the overall building architecture, exterior and interior design palette, and aligning with the overall goals to represent and reflect the local community in the space.  

Literal interpretations or representations of these concepts, goals, and qualities in the artwork are not expected. These ideas are shared as considerations, not limitations, and to offer context of the community feedback received so far.  

Maintenance Considerations 

Portland Parks & Recreation anticipates the North Portland Aquatic Center will serve roughly 3,500 patrons per week, making it one of the most highly attended facilities in PP&R’s portfolio. As such, it’s important that the artist/artist team consider the overall maintainability of the sculpture(s), ease of access, and use of durable materials which will withstand being in a high traffic environment. For more information, please refer to the “Guidelines for Art within North Portland Aquatic Center” document which can be found in the supplemental materials. 

Budget 

The selected artist/artist team will receive $165,000 for this opportunity to create a series of site-specific exterior sculptural artworks. This fee is inclusive of all project expenses including artist fees, design development including structural engineering, materials, fabrication, installation, and communication/coordination with the design team, construction team, and third-party contractors who may help to fabricate and install the artwork.  

Community Engagement 

Community engagement has been a central component within the NPAC project as PP&R has worked closely with the community to envision a beautiful, new aquatic center in North Portland’s Northgate Park.  

As such, we are seeking an artist/artist team who welcomes and reflects the diverse communities that will be served by the new aquatic center within their process and work. Genuine understanding and demonstration of community engagement practices in existing artistic practice, past work, and/or other key areas of experience where skillsets may be transferable, such as teaching, mentorship, community organizing, care work, and other non-typical/non-traditional examples of embedding community into process and practice, are highly desirable.  

The broader community that will be served by the facility have been invited to participate in the design process so far by contributing their experiences and ideas through open houses, tabling events, virtual meetings and focus groups, leave-behind boards, surveys, and community conversations. An array of design priorities emerged during these engagements with community members and key stakeholders which should be considered by the artist(s), and more details can be found in the supplemental materials. Beyond that, feedback and other results from the community engagement process so far, including demographics, can be shared with the selected artist/artist team to ensure authentic understanding and representation of the local communities.  

The community’s overarching vision for the North Portland Aquatic Center is to create a state-of-the-art, fully accessible aquatic facility that will also serve as a celebratory, inclusive, safe, and welcoming representation of North Portland’s diverse cultures and function as a community landmark and gathering spot. The following word cloud was developed from the direct community comments from the Project Advisory Committee, Focus Groups, and Community Open Houses to reflect their hope and aspirations for the project.   

As a result of the extensive community engagement, a list of community priorities for art and expression has been established. Some of the key themes are listed below, the full document can be found in the supplemental materials packet: 

  1. Community history, culture, and identity is seen and felt. Art content and designs must reflect the diversity, stories, and multicultural character of North Portland. This includes the history of local Black, brown, and immigrant communities; Native/Indigenous peoples; and the working-class community members who have all contributed to the building of North Portland.
  2. Create a balance between representational and abstract art. Many expressed a preference for representational art that shows people and natural elements of the Pacific Northwest over abstract or graphic art. However, some reflected that art that is too representational can make people feel left out if they don’t see themselves reflected in it.
  3. Celebrate geography and industrial history. Another strong theme expressed was art that celebrates the natural beauty and geography of the area such as the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, views of tall trees, and the ecology of the riverbanks. This should be balanced with the history of the neighborhood as a working class, industrial neighborhood with iconic features like the St. Johns Bridge, shipyards, and the railroads.
  4. Select rich, vibrant, sophisticated, and joyful colors. The art should use a palette of rich, vibrant, sophisticated, and joyful colors that creates excitement. The colors should make a statement that both welcomes and reflects the diversity of the community. While the community wants the art to be bold and colorful, the palette should not rely solely on primary colors as the base. Instead, the selection of rich colors should be done with thought and intention to ensure they reflect the natural environment and the range of diverse cultures that have shaped North Portland.
  5. Some art should be interactive and multi-sensory. Incorporate tactile, engaging, and multi-sensory art pieces that allow for engagement by children and users of all abilities. 

All Community Engagement Project related information can be found on the PP&R Project webpage here. 

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to artists/artist teams based in the USA and/or those who have experience in, and the ability to, work in the USA. If applying as a team, at least one member must meet the residence eligibility requirement.  

Artists who identify with the following communities are encouraged to apply:  

  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)  
  • Immigrant and refugee    
  • People living with disabilities and neurodivergence  
  • People living with low incomes  
  • Seniors  
  • LGBTQIA+  
  • Competitive swimmers  
  • Folks impacted by detention, deportation, and imprisonment  
  • North Portland community members  

The City of Portland and RACC are committed to reflecting the cultural richness of our city by promoting opportunities for emerging and historically underrepresented artists. RACC is committed to engaging new communities of artists and expanding the range of artistic and cultural expressions represented in the City’s public art collection. 

The selected artist/artist team must be able to create, complete, and deliver their artwork by Spring 2029. 

Selection Process 

At this time, the selection process will be entirely virtual. The selection panel will be composed of local artists, community members, North/Northeast Portland residents, OoAC representatives, PP&R project team members, and design team members. The NPAC selection panel will review artists’ submissions and may choose more than one finalist to invite to interview for the commission. 

Overall, the purpose of the interview is to allow the artist(s) and panel to meet each other and engage in a mutually beneficial and informative conversation. It’s an opportunity for the artist(s) to better understand the context of the project and the intentions the selection panel has for the final art piece. Both parties are given the chance to ask questions and determine best alignment and artist selection for the project. After the interviews are completed, the selection panel will choose a final artist/artist team to award the public art opportunity. The selected artist(s) will then be issued a Design Phase contract by RACC during which they will create a proposal that includes a design for the sculpture series, a budget, and a timeline. Following approval of the final design by the artist selection panel, the artist(s) will then enter into a Fabrication Contract with RACC.   

Criteria for selecting semifinalists for interviews are:  

  1. quality of past work as demonstrated in submitted images; 
  2. ability and interest in creating site-specific artwork; 
  3. how past artwork aligns with one or more of the goals described above, specifically scale, materiality, and responsiveness to community feedback reports, through demonstrated processes and/or final design;
  4. existing, interest in and/or ability to create connections to NPAC, Portsmouth, St Johns, other surrounding neighborhoods and communities served by the facility; 
  5. significant experience in creating and installing sculptural artworks within exterior environments in the public realm.  

Please note the selection panel reserves the right to select an artist/artist team who does not directly apply to this call, if appropriate. Likewise, the panel maintains the option to make no selection from submitted applications and to reopen the selection process or propose other methods of selection if no applicant is accepted. 

How to Apply  

All application materials must be submitted through the RACC Opportunity Portal, an online application system. Applicants will need to create an account, or log into their existing account at https://racc.org/apply. If you are applying as a team, please assign one person to apply and be the point of contact on behalf of the team. Submissions due Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11.59pm PDT.

Application Materials

  • Artist bio/resume. Upload a PDF, no more than two pages, that outlines your creative activities, artistic accomplishments, and experience with creating artworks in the public realm. If applying as a team, submit one PDF that includes a bio/resume for all team members.  
  • Statement of interest. Applicants are invited to submit their responses to the prompts below either in a written statement* or in an audio or video statement**. Please outline the following: 
    • Your interest in this project 
    • Why this project, its focus, and themes are of interest to you  
    • Why you are a good match for the project 
    • How you foresee your work connecting to the mission and values of the project 
    • Describe your capacity and/or experience to complete the scope of work 
    • Explain why you value community input, feedback, and engagement in your artistic process and share past examples of successfully incorporating community visions, values, and voices into a project 
    • If you are applying as a team, describe your individual roles on the team and how you anticipate working together  
  • Up to 8 past work samples. These work samples are the primary way the quality of your work will be judged. Provide up to two images, no larger than 5MB each, for each work sample. For each image, please provide title, artist name, media, dimensions, year completed, budget, and location. Conceptual information is desirable but not required.  

*Written statement: 3000 characters or less 

**Audio or video statement: Upload an audio/voice or video recording no longer than 2 minutes 

Once you have started your application, you can save after each step and sign out. Your application will be saved as a draft that you can continue to work on, as needed. Please note that after you click “Submit,” your application is final and no further edits can be made.  

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us throughout the process.   

Questions 

We are here to support and assist you! If you have questions about the overall opportunity or the RACC application portal, would like to set up a time for a phone/video call, or have any other needs for assistance please email project manager Sophie at shook@racc.org.  

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity and don’t have a computer or online access, please feel free to contact RACC for support. Also, if you prefer these materials in another language, you can contact the RACC project team for translation services. 

We strongly encourage you to submit your application with enough time for any questions to be answered prior to when submissions are due as inquiries received towards the end of that period may not be responded to. We appreciate your understanding and consideration of our capacity. 

Interpretation services are available, please email info@racc.org.   

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