Two Visual Artists Needed for Collaborative Music Performance

Deadline September 07, 2025

CALL FOR TWO VISUAL ARTISTS:  Oregon Koto-Kai (Japanese Koto Society of Oregon) is holding their annual fall concert on October 26th at Portland State University’s Lincoln Recital Hall. The koto, a traditional zither, is the national instrument of Japan and has a roughly 1300-year history. In addition to performing koto music and spreading cultural awareness, part of the group’s mission is to collaborate with local artists. 

At this upcoming concert they will feature 4 large art works, 2 per artist, 48” by 66” (w x h)  on stage behind the musicians. For producing these art works, artists will be compensated with a $500 honorarium, concert tickets, and their information featured in promotional materials.

This year’s concert will feature popular western and Japanese music arranged for the koto as well as original works. The general theme of the program and submitted artworks should be along the lines of “East Meets West” and “Old Meets New”. The first half will include songs written by western composers, arranged for the koto, and the second half will transition to more contemporary Japanese arrangements. The theme is open to interpretation by the artist and we are looking for art that would complement the aesthetics of the instruments and stage.

To apply for this collaborative opportunity, please email us at info@oregonkotokai.org with the following information:

Application Info

  1. Name
  2. Short bio (max 300 words)
  3. Website/Social Media Links
  4. Link to portfolio and/or resume
  5. Description of proposed art, intended medium, and timeline (max 500 words)
  6. Concept art/rough sketches if possible

 

  • Applications due September 7th.  
  • Decisions on the two selected artists by September 10th (by a panel of 6 judges)
  • Finished piece due by October 11th
    • This date can be negotiated based on medium, printing time needed, etc. Commissioned artists can work with Oregon Koto-Kai staff directly to plan details.

For inspiration, you can learn more about our organization and the Japanese koto at www.oregonkotokai.org. You can view the typical stage setup in Lincoln Recital Hall and visual art from previous concert footage at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzM8MqELn5c.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.


Salary
$500 Honorarium

Location
Portland

Opportunity Region
Local

Commitment
Non-Applicable

Contact Email
info@oregonkotokai.org