TEMPOart commissions temporary public art and hosts projects and events in Portland, ME, that are free, open, and inclusive of all. We seek work that will be a catalyst to connect communities and inspire meaningful thought and conversation on timely issues.

TEMPOart seeks artists, architects, designers, and landscape architects to design and realize a temporary outdoor public work of art to begin in June 2022. The maximum budget is $25,000 (inclusive of artist fees and any associated travel). 

Groups and Collectives are invited to apply but must identify a single person within the application who will represent the work of the group.

TEMPOart’s work is to support temporary public art. This means that installations can be available publicly for up to two (2) years. 

The installation will occur in the City of Portland, Maine.  The exact location of the installation is being determined. TEMPOart will finalize the location of the 2022 installation prior to the start of the RFP process. 

Materials Requested
TEMPOart asks those responding to this RFQ to submit the following information:

• A resume or CV, including a link to the artist’s website if applicable

• Photos or videos of up to 5 different pieces of previously completed work with a maximum of 3 detail shots per piece. Please upload no more than 10 photos and/or videos in total. 

• An Artist Statement of no more than 300 words (excluding spaces) to share why the artist is interested in the opportunity. Artists who may not have previously completed a project of this magnitude in the past should use the Artist Statement to describe how they would meet this opportunity.

Next Steps and Timeline
After an initial review of RFQ submissions, up to 6 artists will be selected to respond to a Request for Proposals. Artists participating in the RFP will be provided a $500 stipend. Selected artists should become familiar with Temporary Public Art Guidelines for the City of Portland, Maine.

Below is a timeline for the selection process. Dates are subject to change.

• RFQ process - August 2021

• RFQ decisions communicated to Artists - September 2021

• RFP process - September - October 2021

• Presentations and final selection - November 2021

• Installation / activation - June 2022

• Programming/events - June - October 2022

Accessibility
To request an accommodation or to receive RFQ materials in an alternate format, please contact admin@tempoartmaine.org at least two weeks prior to the RFQ deadline. 

Diversity and Inclusion
TEMPO welcomes participation in celebration of differences related to gender expression and identity, culture, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, learning style, religion, occupation, nationality, immigration status, and socio-economic status. 

Expectations of the Selected Artist
The selected Artist will be expected to participate in 2-3 events related to programming and/or fundraising during the period of November 2021 and October 2022. 

The selected Artist is solely responsible for the design, construction,  installation, and removal of the artwork and for transportation and insurance related to the installation and the removal of the artwork. 

Budget Details 
The $25,000 budget can be used for the installation, de-installation, insurance, artist fees, administrative fees to obtain City approval, transportation, and any maintenance required over the course of the installation.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria