RACC Blog

Call for Artists: Parklane Park Sculptural Artworks

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), invites artists/artist teams to submit a Request for Qualifications application form (RFQ) for a series of sculptural artworks to be installed in the newly expanded and redesigned Parklane Park in the Centennial Neighborhood at 15635 SE Millmain Drive, Portland, Oregon 97233

RFQs are due by 11:59 pm, Pacific Time, April 20th, 2023

The full Request for Qualifications form can be downloaded here. Further information about the project can be accessed here.

The History and Background of Parklane Park

The site of Parklane Park was originally home to the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, Chinook, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River and its tributaries.

More recently it was used as an airfield, and then as a gravel quarry which was later filled with remnant debris in the 1990s. When the surrounding subdivisions were built in the 1970s, the triangular 5-acre parcel that is now Parklane Park became a Multnomah County park. Local residents planted many of the trees and installed red-and-white striped playground equipment, which gave the park its nickname, “Candy Cane Park.”

In 1993, the park was transferred to Portland Parks & Recreation. In 2001, the City purchased an additional 20 acres to the north, the site of the former gravel quarry. The Parklane Park Master Plan was completed in 2009 and created a guide for the construction and expansion. In 2016, a Portland Loo® was installed near the playground with 2014 Parks Replacement Bond funds.

When fully developed, Parklane Park will serve 2,237 households, 407 of which do not currently have ready access to any park or natural areas. There is a significant lack of parks and open spaces and a shortage of recreation facilities in the neighborhood. Parklane will provide a valuable recreational space for the community.

Former Portland Parks & Recreation Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Commissioner Carmen Rubio both approved additional System Development Charge (SDC) funds to fully fund Parklane Parks development in light of cost increases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These additional funds allowed for the completion of nearly all elements identified in the 2009 Master Plan, with the exception of the aquatic center.

The City of Portland’s Office of Community and Civic Life describes the Centennial Neighborhood as “a relatively large neighborhood with a diverse population.” This diverse community of Portlanders includes Black/African American, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin speakers), European, Indigenous, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Arabic, Pacific Islander, Vietnamese, Slavic, and other communities.

Building on the work of the 2009 Master Plan, PP&R formed a Project Advisory Committee and held several community engagement sessions during the development of the design for the expanded park. You can find documentation here on the Parklane Park Project webpage.

Art Opportunity

RACC and PP&R are seeking an artist/artist team to create a series of sculptural artworks to be installed along the park’s central looping walking path. This lit concrete path is nearly a half a mile long and is a fundamental aspect of the park’s design. The path will be the primary walkway for visitors to access the park’s many amenities, including the grass soccer field, basketball courts, event pavilion, and various playgrounds. All six of the park’s pathed entries lead directly to this looping pathway. An architectural focal point of the park’s design is a large pavilion serving as both a multi-purpose covered community gathering space and a half-court basketball. Two smaller picnic shelters of similar design flank the pavilion. This area of the site boasts views of Mt. Hood on a clear day.

This is an opportunity for the artist(s) to create a set of works that viewers would experience while walking in the park, at all times of day and in all seasons. The goal for this artwork is to reflect the past, present, and future communities who have, are, or will enjoy the green spaces and amenities of Parklane Park. These artworks should aid in the creation of a sense of belonging for the park’s users. Through the use of color, image, form, pattern, and / or texture, the artwork will be able to create a sense of relationship, reliability, and contemplation for park users. This set of sculptures will be experienced individually and collectively — sited many feet apart from one another, but also appearing as a group from a distance. These works will become part of the character of Parklane Park.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists/artist teams based in the United States. If applying as a team, at least one member must meet the residence eligibility requirement. PP&R and RACC are committed to reflecting the cultural richness of our city by promoting opportunities for historically underrepresented artists. Artists/artist teams that are not currently represented in the public art collections in Portland with a permanent artwork are strongly encouraged to apply. RACC is committed to engaging new communities of artists and expanding the range of artistic and cultural expression represented in the city’s public art collection.

Budget

The selected artist/artist team will receive $140,000 for this opportunity to create a series of sculptural artworks. This budget is inclusive of all project expenses including artist fees, design development, any permits and engineering required, materials, fabrication, installation, and third-party contractors who may help to fabricate and/or install the artwork. In addition, RACC will coordinate with the artist/artist team, PP&R Community Engagement, project design team, and construction team.

The artist(s) will be responsible for delivering a completed artwork for installation. RACC will coordinate installation with the artist(s), the construction contractor, and any third party vendors, if necessary.

Timeline

Information sessions:
1. Instagram Live session on April 7, 2023 2:00pm (PDT)

2. Zoom on April 11, 2023 3:30pm (PDT) with Mack McFarland from RACC and Sandra Burtzos from Portland Parks & Recreation

RFQ Due:                           April 20th, 2023, 11:59 pm Pacific Time

Finalists Notified                  May 17, 2023

Proposal Interviews             June 2023

Preliminary Drawings          July 1, 2023

Final Drawings                     Oct 1, 2023

Fabrication                           Oct 2023 – July 2024

Installation                            Aug-Sept 2024

Final Completion                 Oct 1, 2024

Selection Process

 A Selection Panel composed of Portland Parks and Recreation representatives, local artists, community members, and the Parklane Park design team members will review artists’ materials in the Selection Phase and choose no more than 3 finalists for the Proposal Interview Phase. One finalist will be selected for the commission.

Criteria for selecting artists for the Proposal Interview Phase will be

  • Artistic vibrancy of submitted past work
  • Potential of the artist(s) to meet general goals described above
  • Artist’s interest in project and its goals
  • Potential to work successfully with the design and construction teams

Artistic vibrancy is defined as an artistic practice that

  • Demonstrates integrity of process
  • Embodies excellence of craft and skill
  • Demonstrates imagination, distinctiveness, and originality
  • Contributes to artistic practice
  • Engages with the diversity and complexity of contemporary life
  • Is relevant in a local, national, and global context

During the Selection Phase, no more than 3 finalists will be selected for the Proposal Interview phase.  Each finalist/team will be paid a $4,000 honorarium to develop a proposal and will be reimbursed for travel expenses.  Finalists will present their proposals in an interview format with the entire Selection Panel.

Proposal Interview

Criteria for selecting the final artist(s):

  • Demonstrated artistic vibrancy
  • Feasibility of the proposed concept
  • Demonstrated competency of materials and fabrication through own skills or subcontracted fabricators
  • Potential to work successfully with the project design team
  • Ease of maintenance and durability of materials
  • Not currently represented in the public art collections in Portland with a permanent artwork

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 participate in determining the best alignment for the project. After the interviews are completed, the Selection Panel will choose a final artist/artist team to award the public art opportunity to.

Please note the Selection Panel reserves the right to select an artist 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.

Application Materials

In response to the RFQ, applicants will be asked to submit the following items through the RACC Opportunity Portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete and submit materials by the closing date: 11:59pm, Pacific Time, April 20th, 2023.

Applications must include the following:

Artist bio/résumé. Two-page résumé uploaded as a PDF that outlines professional accomplishment and includes two professional references (name, affiliated organization, email address, and phone number). For team applications, include a 2-page résumé for each team member that is combined into one PDF.

Statement of interest. In 3,000 characters or less, provide a statement that outlines the following:

  • Your interest in this project
  • Why this project, its focus, location, and goals are of interest to you
  • Why you’d be a good match for the project
  • Your capacity and/or experience to create these artworks
  • 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  artistic vibrancy and quality of your work and practice  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 if applicable. Conceptual information is desirable but not required.

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.

Information sessions:

Instagram Live session on April 7, 2023 2:00pm (PDT)

Zoom on April 11, 2023 3:30pm (PDT) with Mack McFarland from RACC and Sandra Burtzos from Portland Parks & Recreation

RFQs are due 11:59pm, Pacific Time, April 20th, 2023

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, Mack McFarland at mmcfarland@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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Call for Artists / Convocatoria a artistas: East Portland Cultural Corridor

The Regional Arts and Culture Council and a coalition of local organizations are seeking an artist/artist team for a community-based Artist in Residence to work closely with project partners, community members, neighboring institutions, and businesses to identify, express, and elevate outer SE Division Street’s identity as a cultural corridor. Artists from Oregon and SW Washington are eligible to apply. The budget is $75,000. The due date to apply for this opportunity is 5pm PDT, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Read the full details about this call. Información en español.

*This Artist in Residence means that the artist will be working in and with community. It does not include housing or a living stipend.

Background

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), in partnership with TriMet, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Division Midway Alliance (DMA), and the Slavic Community Center of NW (SCC of NW), received a $75,000 Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Our Town is NEA’s creative placemaking grants program that supports the integration of arts, culture, and design to strengthen people’s connection within their community. APANO, DMA, and SCC of NW each have community art projects funded through the NEA Our Town grant. The grant will support resident artist fellows (APANO), a design process for a cultural center (DMA), and an international children’s festival (SCC of NW). RACC, PBOT, and TriMet are working with community partners to amplify the cultural corridor through a transportation justice lens. The $75,000 budget for the Artist in Residence is funded by PBOT’s percent-for-art and TriMet as a match for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Our Town grant.

The Our Town grant launches the East Portland Cultural Corridor (EPCC), a project aimed at generating a unified sense of place and cultural presence in East Portland along SE Division Street from SE 82nd Avenue to SE 175th Avenue. East Portland, the most diverse geographic area of Portland, is home to approximately 25% of the population of Portland and over 40% of the school-age children in the city. This area includes Montavilla, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Hazelwood, Mill Park, and Centennial neighborhoods, as well as Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative Districts at both NE 82nd/Division and in the Division/Midway area.

Who is eligible to apply?

Artists or artist teams living in Oregon and southwest Washington are eligible to apply. If applying as a team, at least one member must meet the residence eligibility requirement. RACC and the coalition of partners are committed to engaging new communities of artists and expanding the range of artistic and cultural expression in our city. Artists who live in or have a relationship to outer Southeast Portland will be prioritized.

How to Apply

All application materials are submitted through the RACC Opportunity Portal, an online application system. Applicants need to create an account or log into their existing account at racc.org/apply. If you are applying as a team, please assign one person to apply and be the contact on behalf of the team. For first-time users of the portal, view a brief video learning how to register here.

Information Sessions for Artists

  • Friday, July 1 at 12pm PDT on Instagram Live. Follow @regionalarts on Instagram to stay informed of this and other upcoming opportunities.

We’re Here to Help!
If you have questions about the overall opportunity or the RACC Opportunity Portal, please email Danielle Davis with questions or to set up a time for a phone call: ddavis@racc.org.

If you don’t have a computer or online access, please don’t hesitate to contact RACC for assistance. Also, if you prefer these materials in another language please contact RACC project staff for translation services.

Interpretation services available, email info@racc.org
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Fresh Paint: Seeking Artists for Next Round of Murals

The Regional Arts & Culture Council and Open Signal invite emerging Black and brown artists/teams who are currently living in Clackamas, Multnomah or Washington counties in Oregon, or Clark County in Washington to submit qualifications for a temporary mural at Open Signal along the highly visible NE Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd. at 2766 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Read the full details about this call.

Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Opportunity

Fresh Paint is a partnership between RACC’s Public Art Murals Program and Open Signal, a media arts center carrying a vision for community-driven media focused on creativity, technology, and social change. This partnership provides artists the opportunity to explore working in the public art sector and incorporate new approaches and skills in their artistic practice and experience.

A portion of Open Signal’s west-facing wall along MLK Jr Blvd has been designated as the Fresh Paint space and measures approximately 9’H x 18’W.  Two artists/teams will be selected to have a painted mural featured for six months between October 2022 – September 2023. The selected artists will receive a $2,500 commission for their participation and are offered the opportunity to engage with a range of resources at Open Signal, including the use of equipment.

Artist Information Sessions
  • Thursday, June 16th at noon on Instagram Live. Follow @regionalarts on Instagram to stay informed of this and other upcoming opportunities.
  • Wednesday, June 29th at 6 pm on Zoom. RSVP here. Watch the previously recorded Zoom information session here.

We strongly encourage you to attend an info session, especially if you are a first-time applicant. Staff will share information about this opportunity and go over the steps of how to submit application materials.

Questions about the Zoom info session or need special accommodations to attend?

CONTACT: Daniela Serna at 503.288.1515 ext. 931, daniela@opensignalpdx.org.

Are you eligible to apply?

This opportunity is for emerging artists that identify as a person of color including (but not limited to) Native American/Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, African American, African, and Southwest Asian and North African.

In addition, you must:

  • live in Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah, or Washington counties,
  • have a consistent visual art practice
  • not have created an exterior-wall mural in the City of Portland (interior murals and murals on non-building infrastructures are fine).

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through RACC’s Opportunity Portal here.

Applicants must create an account, or log in to their existing account. Instructions in the application portal will guide you through the process.

Questions regarding the application platform and materials and project’s process/timeline?

CONTACT: Salvador Mayoral IV at 503.823.5865, smayoral@racc.org


Fresh Paint Opportunity Re-Opens to First Time Muralists

Artist standing on a ladder painting image of a person on a wall mural

Artist Eric Mbungu Mpwo works on his Fresh Paint mural

Open Signal had a wall. We had experience creating murals. Salvador Mayoral, who facilitates our Public Art Murals Program, recalls how Fresh Paint, the partnership to provide emerging Black and brown artists a place to become muralists, got its start. “We were looking for a high visibility spot for a temporary mural pilot project,” he said. Open Signal’s Director of Strategy, Rebecca Burrell, remembers, “We were looking for a way to bring visibility to our mission and bring more art into our neighborhood.” The two organizations joined forces and their new initiative, Fresh Paint, kicked off in 2017. Since then, 10 artists have been selected to paint a temporary mural on an exterior wall of Open Signal’s building facing the highly visible Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Each mural is hosted for at least four months and then painted over in preparation for the next artist.

Installation Dates for Murals
  • October 2021 – March 2022
  • April 2022 – September 2022
The Opportunity

Fresh Paint is a professional development initiative providing emerging artists of color with a paid opportunity to paint a public mural for the first time in Portland. “We wanted artists who didn’t have experience as muralists but the desire to create murals get the support and resources they need to develop a new skill set and build their portfolio,” Mayoral explained. For several artists, the mural projects have led to other public commissions or funding opportunities. The wall currently features Limei Lai’s mural, Together.

RACC and Open Signal, announce a new call for Fresh Paint muralists. Interested artists have until July 14th, 2021 to apply. To qualify for the opportunity, artists must live in the greater Portland metropolitan area, defined as Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington. The selected artists receive a commission for their participation and are offered the opportunity to engage with a range of resources at Open Signal, including the use of equipment.

To be considered, artists can submit information about their background and interest through RACC’s online application portal. No proposals are required. Because the program is designed to support artists in establishing their careers, applicants may not have received any public art commission through RACC nor created an official exterior mural in the City of Portland. Regional Arts & Culture Council’s Public Art Murals Program will run the selection process, relying on past Fresh Paint muralists to review submissions and recommend which new artists should be selected.

Get Help with your Application

Questions regarding the application platform and materials and project’s process/timeline?

CONTACT: Salvador Mayoral IV at 503.823.5865, smayoral@racc.org

Artist Information Sessions
  • Monday, June 14 at noon on Instagram Live. Follow @regionalarts on Instagram to stay informed of this and other upcoming opportunities.
  • Tuesday, June 22 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP here.

Questions about the Zoom info session or need special accommodations to attend?

CONTACT: Daniela Serna at 503.288.1515 ext. 931 daniela@opensignalpdx.org.

 

About Open Signal

Open Signal is a media arts center making media production possible for anyone and everyone in Portland, Oregon. Launched in 2017, the center builds upon the 35-year legacy of Portland Community Media to create a resource totally unique in the Pacific Northwest. Open Signal offers media workshops, a public equipment library, artist residencies and five cable channels programmed with locally produced content. Open Signal delivers media programming with a commitment to creativity, technology and social change. Learn more at opensignalpdx.org.

About the Regional Arts & Culture Council

An independent non-profit organization, the Regional Arts & Culture Council supports greater Portland’s creative economy by equitably providing funding and services to artists and art organizations; managing and growing our diverse, nationally acclaimed, public art program; and developing long-lasting public and private partnerships. RACC connects artists and creatives to opportunity and access. Learn more at racc.org.