Enhance PCC through art

Call for art banner

Portland Community College invites artists to submit artwork proposals for the newly-renovated east side of the Sylvania Campus Health Technology Building (HT East). The space contains multiple locations where PCC seeks existing and/or commissioned artwork. A major goal of the renovation was to provide students with opportunities to cultivate social connections through collaborative academic experiences. Selected artwork will be visible to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the HT Building.

Who should apply

Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises, along with emerging small businesses, are encouraged to submit a proposal. We welcome proposals from emerging artists, students, and those from traditionally underserved and diverse communities. Current employees of the college are not eligible to propose.

How to apply

The opportunity to apply begins September 11, 2024, at 9am. Applications are due no later than 2pm on October 25, 2024 (late proposals will not be accepted).

  1. Attend a pre-proposal conference

    Anyone interested must attend a mandatory pre-proposal Zoom conference either on September 24 from 10-11am or September 25 from 3-4pm.

    • Proposers may visit the site to learn more about the building. These visits are optional, and will be held on October 8 from 10-11am and October 9 from 6-7pm.
  2. Submit your application

    Submit your application through BidLocker.

    • Proposals must be notarized before submission.

Questions? Contact Cherie Maas-Anderson, Buyer Contract Specialist, at cmaas@pcc.edu.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply if I’m a student or faculty member?

Students who are not employed by the college are welcome to apply. Current employees of the college are not eligible to apply.

For more information on eligibility, contact the College Procurement & Finance Manager by email at john.maclean1@pcc.edu.

What is the deadline?

Proposals must be turned in by 2pm on October 25, 2024. No late submissions will be accepted. View the application materials.

Can I apply with artwork I’ve already created?

PCC seeks existing artwork and/or commissioned work.

What kind of art are you looking for?

The College is seeking wall-mounted art pieces, including but not limited to: two-dimensional works, paintings, photographs, low-relief three-dimensional works, and low-relief sculptures. Panelized, board-applied, or other substrates are acceptable in lieu of directly-applied mural pieces. This will allow for easy installation onsite and potential relocation of the piece in the event of another renovation in the future.

Do I have to attend any meetings before applying?

All applicants are required to attend a mandatory pre-proposal Zoom conference. At this meeting, applicants will learn more about the procurement requirements, obtain additional information about the application, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Conferences will be held on September 24 from 10-11am and on September 25 from 3-4pm. You only have to attend one of these sessions.

Can I visit the space where this artwork will be installed?

Optional site visits will be held on October 8 from 10-11am and October 9 from 6-7pm. These visits are not required.

What do I need to include with my application?

Application materials include:

  • Letter of interest
  • Commission narrative
  • Images of past work
  • Existing artwork images
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • References
  • Required affidavit, certifications, and notarized forms

Find detailed information about application materials in the solicitation.

Who will be picking the winning art and how will they decide?

A designated artwork selection committee of artists, students, faculty, and staff has identified values, goals, and content criteria important to the desired impact of the building’s artwork program. This committee will review and select from proposals received based on the criteria identified in the application materials.

When will I find out if my artwork has been chosen?

Applicants will be notified of award by spring 2025.

Where will this art be installed?

The College has identified nine primary locations within the HT East building for site-specific artwork. At this time, the selection committee will be reviewing only proposed pieces for the interior of the building. The selected opportunities are highly visible, accessible interior walls and play a significant role in the tone and feel of the building. Additional sites may be taken into consideration during the review process. The College has the right to designate art to specific locations. However, the committee may decide to make additional areas available within the building.

What if I have more questions?

Contact Cherie Maas-Anderson, Buyer Contract Specialist, at cmaas@pcc.edu.