PROJECT OVERVIEW

Henry Point Development (HPD), a Pacific Northwest development firm, is re-energizing the iconic 1938 building in the heart of Milwaukie, Oregon; located at 10722 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR 97222. Since being constructed nearly a century ago, the WPA project has housed many functions, including serving as Milwaukie City Hall, the Fire Department, library, court services, and even as a dance hall. With careful historic preservation, retrofitting and new amenities, the space will now become home to a hip brewery restaurant, locally owned coffee house, sizable community meeting room, and multiple executive suites. The facilities will offer 18-hour activation for public uses from hospitality services to community engagement both indoors and out.

To ensure the character of being one of the city’s cherished gathering hubs is celebrated, HDP is working with Raziah Roushan, Inc. (RRI), a local public arts coordinator to facilitate the Call for Artists and carry the art installation portion of the project to completion (estimated April 2025). In addition to an existing outdoor sculpture garden, HPD has identified four (4) new public art zones, both indoor and outdoor. The new public art scope, review and determinations are being designed by an 8-person Steering Committee composed of Milwaukie residents and business representatives. This is intended to ensure a deeper connection and representation of the new artwork to the many community members who frequent these space(s).

This Request for Qualification (RFQ) is specifically prioritizing the first two (2) zones as described below. Each zone offers its own size, shape, lighting characteristics, and inspiration. All visual modalities will be considered in this process, including but not limited to 2D, 3D, projection art or animation, and mixed media. Artists are encouraged to showcase their own unique style through their examples when applying for the RFQ Phase. Deadline to apply is 5:00pm PST on September 13, 2024.

PROJECT THEME

Applicable to all Zones.

“The Threads That Connect Us; Echoes of Time.”

Using art to interpret the philosophical, conceptual, and nostalgic qualities of how time passes from the geographic qualities of the Willamette River’s terrain to the anthropologic blip of humans living and tending to this place (Milwaukie, OR and the surrounding 15-mile radius), AND where it may take [us] in the next 100 years (est. 2125 AD).

Context for this theme’s inspiration recognizes that this land (Milwaukie, OR) has been home to diverse caretakers and inhabitants for millennia, and that rivers are regularly referenced as metaphors for passing time. A 1938 Time Capsule was discovered during the redevelopment process which is tangible evidence for how fleeting time truly is. This project’s theme seeks to add to this treasure by utilizing the multiple art installations as story-telling opportunities for this region’s histories, [our] contemporary period, and predictions for what Milwaukie’s future may become.

This theme is not intended to limit concepts to historical representations. Rather, Artists are encouraged to learn about the region, draw upon its long history of life and evolution, and stretch their imaginations to create new and diverse interpretations for Milwaukie’s past, present and future.

PROJECT ZONES for RFQ at this time

PROJECT TIMELINE          

Application Requirements

HOW TO APPLY

There is no fee to apply for this opportunity.

Choose the Zone for which [you] would like to apply.

For this RFQ, the Steering Committee is seeking the following Application Requirements:

1. Cover Letter, including:

• Complete contact information (name, mailing address, email, phone number, website or online portfolio, social media handle)
• Identify which Zone you would like to be considered for (Zone 1 or Zone 2)
• Short narrative for why this project excites you, and your methodology to site-specific public art. (500 words max)

2. Five (5) Examples of past work as closely related to the project Zone of interest. Include a detailed list identifying each example’s client/intended audience, media, size, budget, and completion timeline.

Not required in the RFQ Phase; do not include:

• Design proposals for the Zone of choice.
• Professional references.

Submit your application directly through the CaFE portal at:  www.callforentry.org.

Key words “The Threads That Connect Us; Echoes of Time”, Milwaukie, Oregon

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

To intentionally engage multiple artists in this opportunity, each Zone will be awarded to one individual/team. Artists may not apply to multiple Zones at a time.

• Individuals and/or teams may apply.
• Priority given to Artists residing in Clackamas County, OR and/or the Portland Metro region, incl. Vancouver, WA.
• Emerging and intermediate Artists encouraged to apply. Potential for paring with a local Art Mentor in [your] proposed media if awarded a Contract.
• All visual artistic media will be considered, including 2D, 3D, 4D (time-based) projection art, and mixed media installations.
• Audio and tactile experiences will also be considered so long as they pair a visual installation aligned with the Zone’s physical qualities.
• No aromatic fragrances nor decomposable materials permitted.
• All artwork materials must meet the expected longevity and provide a maintenance plan.