Application deadline Thursday, April 20, 2023, 9:59pm. 

Cultural Currents Artist Informational Session & Application Assistance

Virtual Zoom meeting to walk through the application process will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 4:00pm-5:00pm. To join the Zoom Meeting go to:

https://eugene-or-gov.zoom.us/j/88225820790

Meeting ID: 882 2582 0790

Passcode: CCart23!

Visit the Lane Arts Council Cultural Currents news post for resources that may be helpful in your application process.

About Cultural Currents

Cultural Currents is a new collaborative initiative that strives to strengthen multicultural hubs, programming and experiences in Eugene from Midtown to the Downtown core and into the Downtown Riverfront Park. This year’s project will manifest in temporary art installations unveiled during Visual Arts Week October 6-14, 2023 organized by the City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council. Installations will occur at the end of September.

These art opportunities include:

1. Exterior 3D Sculptures
2. Pole Banners Visual Art Series
3. Interior Wall 2D Artwork
4. Spoken Word, Music, and/or Sound Artworks
5. Projections

Cultural Currents is funded by The National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant to support City of Eugene Cultural Services, Lane Arts Council and community partners to engage pathways for artists interested in entering the public art field and creating access to the arts for the community.

Overview of Cultural Currents Temporary Public Art Opportunities

There are five categories as part of this opportunity. If applying for more than one opportunity, please submit one application per category. See full descriptions in the sections below.

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Eugene is built within the unceded traditional homelands known as Kalapuya Ilihi. Kalapuya descendants are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon, they continue to make contributions in our communities here and across the lands. We express our respect for the inherent political sovereignty of all federally recognized Tribal Nations and Indigenous people who live in the State of Oregon and across the nation.

Background

Cultural Currents is a new collaborative initiative between the City of Eugene, Lane Arts Council, and community partners working to strengthen multicultural hubs, programming and experiences in Eugene from Midtown to the Downtown core and into the Downtown Riverfront Park. This year the initiative will manifest in art installations unveiled during Visual Arts Week in October 2023.

Cultural Currents supports diverse approaches to the arts and storytelling to promote curiosity, connection and reflection that leads to a greater sense of belonging for all in Eugene through learning, prompting dialogue and action. Through this initiative we invite artists, artist collectives and arts organizations to create temporary public art installations that utilize arts and storytelling to advance representation and narratives that historically have been excluded, misrepresented and/or marginalized in Eugene. We strongly encourage artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Latino/a/x/e, LGTBQIA+ and those with intersecting identities to apply.

Public art has a unique role in communities to be accessible to everyone and integrated into the fabric of shared spaces. Through arts and cultural programming, Cultural Currents will center cultural identities, storytelling and lived experiences through public art resulting in:

• Access for artists interested in entering or developing in the public art field
• Deepening a sense of belonging and identity
• Supporting and inspiring artists and community members
• Supporting experimentation, inspiration and new ways to engage public spaces
• Engaging dialogue
• Honoring the resilience of communities
• Shifting dominant narratives to include voices that have been systematically hidden or excluded to encourage positive cultural changes
• A variety of project platforms intended to create multiple points of entry to the arts through sound, site and/or touch

Process

The Cultural Currents Advisory Committee (CCAC) will select the finalists. CCAC is made up of individuals from a wide range of identities, experiences, expertise, art forms and organizations who are involved in the active design and implementation of Cultural Currents efforts. This group is a committed working collective that meets monthly and participates in ad-hoc committees. 

Inspirational Themes for Artwork

Temporary art exhibitions are an entry point for artists to create art in public spaces. Cultural Services has worked with local and regional artists to engage the City as a studio and provide unexpected creative experiences. Check out the previous temporary public art projects Cultural Services has supported.

The CCAC is committed to art in public spaces, advancing access and representation of artists of color that have crucial stories to share that have historically been excluded, hidden, misrepresented and/or marginalized in Eugene. The CCAC identified the following themes for the project:

Preferred Themes:

Consideration of connection to place and/or land from time immemorial to present, including Indigenous, Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Latino/a/x/e, LGTBQIA+, current and previous residents, African diaspora, recent arrivals, immigrants and those with intersecting identities.

Suggested Themes:

• Everyone belongs
• Healing
• Stories of the people
• Art for everyone
• Art that tells a story
• Art that highlights the intersection between people and their environment
• Art that challenges narratives
• Cross cultural exchange and community dialogue

Selection Criteria

In alignment with the City of Eugene’s goal of creating a safe and welcoming community, the Cultural Currents project is committed to working with community partners to promote a community where every person, regardless of their identity, is safe, valued, and welcome. The following are protected: Gender identity, housing status, national origin, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, source of income, association and political affiliation, color, disability, familial, marital, and partnership status. Hate or bias is any non-criminal hostile expression that may be motivated by a person’s real or perceived association with race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and unhoused status. Examples:

• Name calling; using a racial, ethnic, or other slur to identify someone; or using degrading language
• Creating racist or derogatory graffiti or images/drawings
• Imitating someone with a disability, or imitating someone’s cultural norm or practice

CCAC  will evaluate answers to questions and materials that can be submitted in written, audio or video format. All submission materials and answers are held in confidence among the CCAC. The CCAC will consider:

• Context and how it relates to place and/or land
• Concept, artistry and form of artwork
• Durability/integrity of materials (see question 5 in submission requirements)
• Artist's willingness to provide interpretation and insight to art intention, meaning and design
• Consideration of potential public response and the safety and security of the artwork
• Artwork is welcoming
• Artist’s response to application questions

Cultural Currents Temporary Public Art Opportunities

I. Exterior Sculptures

Cultural Currents is seeking two (2) existing or in-progress (at least 70% completed with a full description on what that piece will be) sculptural works for a 1 year temporary installation at the North entrance to the Hult Center in Downtown Eugene. This opportunity is open to one or two artists or artist groups working in sculpture. Selected awardee(s) will receive a $2,000 commission for each sculptural work. Artist(s) may submit up to four (4) works per submission to be considered with up to (3-4) images per work including front, side and at least (1) detail per work. This opportunity is ideal for artists who have a long standing relationship with their materials but not necessarily experience exhibiting in a public setting. First time public sculpture artists are encouraged to apply.

Location

Two sculptural works will be installed on two separate 4’x 4’ plinths, which are approximately 20 feet apart at the North entrance to the Hult Center near the Eugene Japanese American Memorial along 6th Avenue in Downtown Eugene. The sculptures must remain within the 4’x4’ plinths for safety. If artworks are smaller, a secured exterior pedestal could be installed at the expense of the City.

See Figures 1.1 and 1.2 in Site Details

Exterior Sculpture Submission Requirements

All submission materials and answers to questions are held in confidence among the selection committee (all public marketing materials will be co-created with selected finalists). 

Please provide the following in CaFE:

• Answers to application questions (listed at end of document)
• Resume (include one artist resume for each group member, if applicable)
• Images of existing sculptural work to be considered. Artist(s) may submit up to four (4) works per submission to be considered with up to (3-4) images per work including front, side and at least (1) detail per work
• Image list (description) to include: Title, date, size, materials, approximate weight, description of artwork’s concept

Timeline

• Applications due - April 20, 2023
• Application review by Selection Committee; select finalists - Early May, 2023
• Artist studio visit by committee with each finalist + discussion of technical installation and maintenance plan - May, 2023
• Committee announces final awardee(s) - May, 2023
• Installation - Week of September 18, 2023
• Exhibition - October 2023-September 2024: 1 year temporary public exhibition

II. Pole Banners Visual Art Series

Cultural Currents requests qualifications for digital or digitized artwork to commission a site-specific  visual arts banner series for a 1 month public exhibition on up to 76 double-sided banners, 18x36 inches each. Banners will be installed on 38 lamp poles along the Downtown Riverfront Park path from October 3rd to October 31st, 2023. The awardee will receive a $1,500 stipend for their work. The city will be responsible for  the printing and installation costs of the banners. This opportunity is open to  established and emerging artists. The committee is open to a variety of approaches including, but not limited to: photography, digital art series, still frames from an animation, visual storytelling, comic illustration, etc.

Location

The Pole Banners are along the Downtown Riverfront Park path that begins near the SubSupra pavilion, east to the river overlook. A Cultural Currents digital projection on display at night will be adjacent to the banner artwork. NOTE: A Cultural Currents digital projection will be on display at night and adjacent to the banner artwork. 

See Figures 2.1 and 2.2 in Site Details

Pole Banners Visual Art Series Submission Requirements

All submission materials and answers to questions are held in confidence among the selection committee (all public marketing materials will be co-created with selected finalists). 

Please provide the following in CaFE:

• Answers to application questions (listed at end of document)
• Resume (include one resume for each group member, if applicable)
• Up to 10 images of existing works (highlighting experience in creating a series of images is encouraged)
• Image list to include: Title, date, brief description of artwork’s concept

Timeline

• Applications due - April 20, 2023
• Application review by Selection Committee, announce final awardee - Early May
• Artwork review- June 30, 2023
• Artwork to printer - August 14th, 2023
• Installation -October 1st and 2nd
• Exhibition - October 2023: 1 month temporary public exhibition.

The pole banners will be on exhibit from October 3rd through October 31st with a kickoff event on October 6th as part of Visual Arts Week, organized by the City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council.

III. Farmers Market Interior Wall 2-Dimensional Artwork

Cultural Currents is seeking a 2-dimensional artwork that is an existing piece or in-progress (at least 70% completed with a full description on what that piece will be) for a one year temporary installation on an interior wall of the Farmers Market Pavilion. Selected awardee will receive a $1,000 stipend. Artist(s) may submit up to four (4) works per submission to be considered with up to (2) images per work. 

Location

The artwork zone is roughly 10 x 20 feet on the South wall inside the Pavilion and installed above eye level. Highly detailed artwork may not be appreciated at the height it will be installed. For a sense of scale, current artwork, Big One by Erin Langley, featured in this location is 73” x 60”. The selected artwork will rotate into this artwork zone. 

NOTE: The artwork will be adjacent to a permanent Percent for Art commission titled Willamette River Contours by Michael Boonstra. For more information about this artwork go to https://www.eugene-or.gov/4817/Farmers-Market-Pavilion-Art

See Figure 3.1 in Site Details

About the Farmers Market Pavilion 

The Farmers Market Pavilion is a beautiful, light and spacious venue with a unique indoor/outdoor atmosphere that includes roll-up garage doors that lead to a versatile Plaza space. Located in the heart of downtown in Eugene’s vibrant arts district, the Pavilion is an easily accessible gathering space designed with elegance and sustainability in mind.

The Lane County Farmers Market, which takes place in the pavilion, is one of the anchors of our community; a place where we can buy fresh, local produce, but also an event where we can meet up with a friend or run into a neighbor. The new Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza supports this beloved institution, giving the Market more space to grow while showing our community’s pride in our local farms and food producers.

Farmer's Market Interior Wall 2D Artwork Submission Requirements

All submission materials and answers to questions are held in confidence among the selection committee (all public marketing materials will be co-created with selected finalists). 

Please provide the following in CaFE:

• Answers to application questions (listed at the end of document)
• Resume (include one resume for each group member if applicable)
• Up to four (4) works per submission to be considered with up to (2) images per work.
• Image list to include: Title, date, brief description of artwork’s concept.

Timeline

• Applications due - April 20, 2023
• Application review by Selection Committee, announce finalists - Early May
• Studio visit- Mid-May
• Artwork selected-End of May
• Installation -End of September
• Exhibition - October 2023-September 2024; 1 year temporary public exhibition.

The artwork will be on exhibit from October 2023 through September 2024 with a kickoff event on October 6th, 2023 as part of Visual Arts Week organized by the City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council.

IV. Spoken Word, Music and/or Sound Artworks

Cultural Currents is seeking  existing or in-progress (at least 70% completed) audio artworks to be considered for a one week site-specific installation. There are three separate artist opportunities. Two will be located at the Farmers Market Pavilion and one in the breezeway between Willamette street and Park St from October 6th-14th. Cultural Services will provide a complete sound package that includes a powered direction speaker that produces a focused area of sound for the public to experience as they pass under it. These audio works could be poetry, storytelling, music, soundscape, etc. The awardees will receive a $1,500 stipend for each of their works. This opportunity is ideal for both established and emerging artists and will include support for translating audio artwork into a public space experience. The audio artwork will be on exhibit from October 6th through October 14th.

What does a 70% completed audio work look like? 

• Completed written work that needs to be translated into audio file with description of how the work will be translated and/or recorded.
• Recorded music and/or soundscapes that need to be organized and/or edited.

Locations

Audio artworks will be installed in the following locations:

1. Alley from Willamette to Park Street Blocks
   • Audio installation (1 work)
2. Farmer's Market Pavilion
   • Audio installations (2 works)

NOTE: A Cultural Currents digital projection will be on display at night at the Farmers Market adjacent to this work.

See Figures 4.1 and 4.2 in Site Details

Spoken Word, Music and/or Sound Artworks Submission Requirements

All submission materials and answers to questions are held in confidence among the selection committee (all public marketing materials will be co-created with selected finalists). 

Please provide the following in CaFE*:

• Answers to the application questions (listed at the end of this document).
• Resume (include one resume for each group member if applicable).
• Up to 4 existing or nearly completed audio or written works to be considered with a full description of what the piece will be, where you are in the planning phase and duration of work (all audio submissions combined cannot exceed 20 minutes).
• Audio or written list to include: Title, date, performer and writer/composer if different, brief description of concept.

Timeline

• Applications due - April 20, 2023
• Application review by Selection Committee, announce final awardee(s) - Early May
• Installation -End of September
• Exhibition - October 6-14, 2023: 1 week temporary public exhibition

V. Projections

Cultural Currents is seeking existing or nearly completed digital artworks to be projected for a one week site-specific installation at the Farmers Market Pavilion and the Downtown Riverfront Park. Our digital projectors are new for this project and are capable of displaying 1080P video at approximately 4,000-6,000 lumens. Artworks could include film, animation, or still imagery displayed in a slide show format.

Cultural Services will provide a complete projection and sound package that includes a high-brightness digital projector, self-running media player, and powered stereo speakers. 

The awardees will receive a $1,500 stipend for each work. Videos may or may not include audio. This opportunity is ideal for both established and emerging public artists and will include support for translating video artwork into public space projection.

The video projections will be on exhibit from October 6th through October 14th with a kickoff event on October 6th as part of Visual Arts Week organized by the City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council.

Locations

Video artworks will be installed in the following locations:

1. SubSupra Pavilion
   • 1 Projection Installation with optional audio
2. Farmer's Market Pavilion
   • 2 Projection Installations

NOTE: A Cultural Currents banner art installation will be on display on light posts along the path adjacent to this projection installation at SubSupra Pavilion. Two Cultural Currents directional audio art installation will be activated at the Farmers Market Pavilion adjacent to the projection installation.

See Figures 5.1 through 5.4 in Site Details

Projections Submission Requirements

All submission materials and answers to questions are held in confidence among the selection committee (all public marketing materials will be co-created with selected finalists). 

Please provide the following:

• Answers to application questions (listed at the end of this document).
• Resume (include one resume for each group member if applicable).
• Up to 4 existing or nearly completed video works to be considered with a full description of what the piece will be, where you are in the planning phase and duration of video (all video submissions combined cannot exceed 20 minutes).
• Video list to include: Title, date, and short description.

Timeline

• Applications due - April 20,2023
• Application review by Selection Committee, announce final awardee(s) - Early May
• Installation - End of September
• Exhibition - October 6-14, 2023: 1 week temporary public exhibition

Application Requirements

Application Questions

Please contact Kate Ali with any questions regarding your submission materials at kali@eugene-or.gov

Provide answers to the following questions in written, audio, or video format. Each answer has a maximum of 500 words response.

1. What is your artist bio or group statement?
2. How does your artwork or art practice relate to this site, this land and/or this community?
3. What is your interest in the Cultural Currents project, the listed themes and art in public spaces?
4. Does your artwork include cultural themes and/or designs? If yes, how does it relate to your culture and/or identity?
5. If you are submitting unfinished work, what is your detailed plan for completion?

Supplemental Questions

SCULPTURE ONLY: Describe the concept of the sculptural piece(s) you are submitting, including materials, form and inspiration. What is your experience working with these materials? 

SCULPTURE ONLY: Please describe the maintenance required and durability of the sculptural piece(s) you are submitting including where the artwork will be attached to the plinth. If your work is meant to be ephemeral, please describe the maintenance plan to ensure public safety.

BANNER SERIES ONLY: What is your ideal format or arrangement for your banner series, i.e. a continuum of different images, multiples or repetition of the same images in a series, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Requirements:

• 18+ or youth in partnership with an adult mentor
• Artists who have a connection to the local community, culture, region/land, including the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya people, encompassing Eugene and the Willamette Valley

This initiative has opportunities for new, emerging  and established artists. Artists are not required to have public art experience to apply. 

Cultural Currents supports artists through technical assistance and installation expertise, for example:

• Creating infrastructure for multiple, creative platforms in Eugene including: a visual arts banner series, plinths for sculptures, site-based projectors and directional speakers for a focused area of sound.
• Sharing expertise and approaches to problem solving around the translation of art into public spaces and the installation process.
• Facilitating artist written content for marketing and site information in collaboration with marketing professionals.