Call Description

The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA) is pleased to invite emerging, mid-career and established artists to submit a design for the public restroom building and David’s Chair Shed at the Don Davis Park, in Spring 2026 as part of the City of Newport Public Arts Program. Mural to be completed by Sept. 30,2026.

General Project Information:

One mural will be commissioned for the restroom consisting of:

The west side (8-½ ft tall x 18 ft long) and north side (8-½ ft tall x 30-1/2 ft long) of the restroom building, approximately 384 sq ft

The north side (7 ft tall x 8 ft long) and east side (7 ft tall x 10 ft long) of the David’s Chair shed building, approximately 126 sq ft

Artist will supply paint and anti graffiti varnish finish.  All paint and varnish must be designed for outdoor mural use in a coastal environment with salt air and high winds.

All costs associated with transportation to and accommodation in Newport, Oregon will be the responsibility of the artist.

All artwork must be the original design and artwork of the artist/s and be suitable for viewing by all ages.

All artists must be over the age of 18 to apply.

The selected mural must be completed  by the end of summer 2026. Exact date TBD.

Interested artists please email publicarts@coastarts.org to request historical inspiration photos as well as photos of the buildings.

Timeline:

Artists award notification May, 2026

Installation to be completed by Sep 30, 2026

Evaluation Criteria:

The theme of the mural is “Historic Nye Beach: Past to Present” The “present” part of the mural theme represents beach accessibility through Davis's Chair. See www.davidschair.org Submissions will be evaluated based on:

Visual Impact (45%)

A high score will be given to an artist who has uniquely organized the art elements and content and has created a striking and memorable piece of work. 

Composition and Design (45%)

A high score will be given to a design that reflects Newport’s Historic Nye Beach (historical photographs to be used as inspiration will be provided to interested artist prior to submission), beach accessibility and integrates poetry into the design somehow.

Artist Experience (10%)

Application Requirements

Artists are allowed to submit up to three design sketches for consideration.

There is a $25 fee to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists must be over eighteen (18) years old to be eligible. OCCA and the City of Newport Public Art program is open to all professional artists regardless of race, gender, age, belief or national origin.  

Entries must be the original design and artwork of the entrant. Designs must not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, business names, corporate or organizational brandings. 

Entries must be suitable for viewing for all ages. No images of sex, violence, drugs, or alcohol will be considered.

Artwork submitted may not be used for advertisement or to promote a business, product, or viewpoint.

Mural must include the following language: “This mural made possible by the City of Newport (logo) and OCCA (logo) through the Public Arts Program 2026” and “Photo(s) provided by the Lincoln County Historical Society." 

Artists may submit work on their own and/or as part of a team.

Any required maintenance is to be the responsibility of the artist for a term of 5 years.