Be part of FoCSP’s Art in the Park program!
Please read the information below and find the application form link near the bottom of this post.
Friends of Congress Square Park (FoCSP) is the 501(c)(3) non-profit place manager of Congress Square Park, an urban public open space in downtown Portland. We seek to create an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant community gathering place accessible to all through neighborhood engagement, programming, and the arts.
Congress Square Park sits at the heart of the Arts District and is located in the most economically diverse and densely populated neighborhood in Portland. The Park serves as the backyard for many of its neighborhood regulars, and our community members rely on the Park as a place to meet, rest, and access essential services. We are seeking an installation that enhances the Park as a gathering place and bring the community together. We encourage you to imagine a work that not only maintains in the elements (rain, wind, sunlight, street noise, wildlife, and human activity) but perhaps also responds to and excels in such natural exposure. Please consider how the work will be viewed and experienced by visitors utilizing the Park, walking by on Congress Street and High Street sidewalks, and driving by as well. Material selection is crucial to the life of public art. Consider materials that can withstand not just environmental elements but human interference as well (please note the what works well/what doesn’t section).
Most areas of the Park including curved stairs, lower plaza, and light poles are available for placement of work. All Park furniture, umbrellas, and planters, as well as planted garden beds may be incorporated on a case by case basis. Mobile Park furniture can be moved to accommodate installations. Park entrance to the Westin hotel may not be blocked. Handicapped walkways cannot be blocked, and adjacent building walls cannot be incorporated. The stage cannot be used.
Details:
Installation period will be early July – mid September, 2023.
Artists may propose any type of three-dimensional work for the Park, including but not limited to: sculptures, suspended objects, and mixed media installations
The selected artist will be paid a $2500 stipend
Artists are responsible for supplying their materials
FoCSP will supply cross-platform marketing, COVID-precaution supplies during install/deinstall, access to electricity and water supply during install/deinstall, original design signage, and a representative of FoCSP will be onsite during install/deinstall to provide support
Artist will be notified of selection status by April 20, 2023
Stipend will be distributed upon receipt of final materials, due May 15, 2023
Submission of application does not guarantee selection
There is no fee for applicatioon submission
What works well:
Items hung/suspended out of reach (banners, flags, etc)
Heavy, stationary items with strong bases
Color!
What doesn’t work well:
Materials within reach that can be broken (glass, soft plastic, etc)
Loose or unattached items
Materials within reach that are flammable
Writing utensils
Required questions in the Application:
Preferred name
Legal name
Pronoun(s)
Phone number
Mailing address
Web/social media handles you would like included in marketing
Artist bio
Title of proposed work
Artist statement
Physical description of proposed work
Technical requirements
Maintenance & safety plan
Approximate dimensions of proposed work
Materials
Has this piece already been made
Consent to press release
Required attachments in the Application:
Sketches or scale rendering of art work
Please review:
FoCSP Liability Info
*This will require a signature only if you are selected. However, please review the document to be familiar with our policy.
City of Portland Application for Temporary Art
*This will require completion only if you are selected. However, please review the document to be familiar with the permit requirements.
Map of Congress Square Park
*Colored-in areas are not available for installation
If Selected you will be asked to:
Sign the FoCSP Liability Waiver
Fill out a W-9
Participate in a scheduled Zoom meeting with FoCSP members and the City of Portland Temporary Art Committee for City permit approval
Spend time in the park as your are crafting your work to observe how the community uses Congress Square Park
TO APPLY:
Fill out all information and attach necessary documents in the 2023 Art In the Park Open Call Google Form by April 5, 2023. Any questions about the application or installation series please contact Julia at art@congresssquarepark.org. Selected artist will be notified by April 20, 2023. Please note: Application acceptance must still be approved by the City of Portland.
