Site Structures - Public Works Campus in Bend, Oregon

The City of Bend in partnership with Art in Public Places invites art students, emerging and professional Artists and Graphic Designers to apply who must reside in Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook County in Oregon. 

This is a designed-based commission and Artist(s) will design 2-D graphic art to be laser cut onto Corten metal panels that will serve as the exterior cladding for three structures on the campus: a Bike Shelter, Trash Enclosure and Central Utility Plant Enclosure. The materials, fabrication and installation will be managed by the design-build team and the contractor. The design fee varies per Site Structure.

The City of Bend and AiPP are dedicated to nurturing, promoting and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage individuals from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists to apply. We value and support the participation of emerging local Artists and students in this initiative....

Summary

The City of Bend in partnership with Art in Public Places (AiPP) invites art students, emerging and professional Artists and Graphic Designers living in Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook County in Oregon to apply for a design-based commission for three Site Structures on the City’s Public Works Campus. Artists applying to this Call to Artists understand that they are being considered for all three locations at the initial application stage on CAFE to make it to the next round as a Finalist. In Phase 2, Finalists will propose specific designs for each the three Site Structures.

The Artist(s) will design inspired 2-D graphic art to be laser cut onto rusted Corten metal panels that will serve as the exterior cladding for the various small structures located on the Public Works Campus including a Bike Shelter, Trash Enclosure and Central Utility Plant Enclosure. The Artist(s) will provide digital files (DXF. or DWG.)  of the work of art to be used by a local metal fabricator to laser cut the design onto the flat Corten metal panels. The panels will be installed onto the structures by the City’s Public Works Campus contractor.

See attached graphics package for location, scale, and the general inspiration for the three Site Structures. The project timeline is January – April 2025. The Design Fee of $2,500 for the Trash Encloser, a $5,000 Design Fee for the Bike Shelter and a $7,500 Design Fee for the Central Utility Plant Surround Structure which are based the overall scale of each structure. One or more Artists may be selected.

The City of Bend and AiPP are dedicated to nurturing, promoting, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage individuals from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists to apply. Furthermore, we value and support the participation of emerging local Artists and students in this initiative.

Bend, Oregon Overview

Bend, Oregon is a mountain town surrounded by public lands. Residents and visitors are drawn to Bend for its high desert climate and varied year-round recreation. Bend has grown and flourished, truly a community with diverse backgrounds and a shared love for the place and lifestyle. Today, Bend is the largest Oregon city east of the Cascades Mountains with a population of just over 100,000.

Site & Project Context

The new Public Works Campus for the City of Bend will be home to several public works departments: Engineering, Facilities, Fleet Management, Transportation and Mobility and Water Services. The 35.5-acre site will include offices, meeting spaces, storage facilities, specialized workshop areas and the City’s water lab.

The campus design is inspired by the Central Oregon context of high desert landscape, volcanic geology, and prominent mountain peaks and will blend in with the surrounding landscape while providing efficient, healthy, and durable workspaces for the public works departments. Each building embodies simplicity and timelessness in both form and material. Clad in weathering steel that will change to a deep rust color over time, the buildings complement the rich desert earth tones, volcanic rock outcroppings, and the Juniper-forested site.

Inspiration for the Site Structures

The graphic art for these small Site Structures has potential for inspired design and art beyond the three main campus buildings to the smaller structures on site —Bike Shelter, Trash Enclosure and the Central Utility Plant Enclosure. It is a unique opportunity to use these structures as canvases for “pixilated” graphic art murals panels that can celebrate and reinforce Public Works or share something unique and special about Central Oregon (ie. the natural environment, Native history, or otherwise).  The perforations can be various sizes of points, circles, or potentially other shapes, as they relate to the art or inspiration.

Centering equity in the creation of art, the Artist(s) are encouraged to draw inspiration from the unique and enriching contributions of the Public Works departments to the City of Bend. The graphic design for each Site Structure should resonate with both those working and visiting the campus and embody meaning and relevance by experiencing it. It has the potential, but is not a requirement, to convey significance and/or celebrate any of the following:

•The work undertaken by Public Works departments, including the specific tools and materials used, the tasks performed or simply the inspiration of such.

•The Native history of the location, the specific site, and its evolution over time.

•The natural environment, topography, climate, and distinctive features of Central Oregon.

By emphasizing equity in this artistic endeavor, we aim to create works of art that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences related to the Public Works departments and the broader community.

Placement and Design

The Artist(s) will design inspired 2-D graphic art to be laser cut onto rusted Corten metal panels that will serve as the exterior cladding for the various small structures on located on the Public Works Campus including a Bike Shelter, Trash Enclosure, and Central Utility Plant Enclosure. The Artist(s) will provide digital files (DXF. or DWG.)  of the graphic art to be used by a local metal fabricator to laser cut the design onto the flat Corten metal panels. The panels will then be installed onto the structures.

Artists applying to this Call to Artists understand that they are being considered for all three locations at the initial application stage on CAFE to make it to the next round as a Finalist. In Phase 2, Finalists will propose a specific design for each of the three Site Structures. One or more Artists may be selected for the final commission.

See attached graphics package for location, scale and the general inspiration for the three Site Structures. Each Site Structure could have a separate graphic designed for the particular structure, or all three structures could be integrated as one graphic design element that connects across all site structures. The graphic 2-D-art will be fabricated on rusted Corten metal panels that will serve as a portion of the enclosure of each structure. The graphic art should be “pixelated” and abstracted to create perforations in the metal panels once laser cut. The perforations can be various sizes of points, circles, or potentially other shapes, as they relate to the art or inspiration.

Once selected, the Finalists will work directly with the design-build team to review and finalize the design, confirm the final number and size of panels, and review/approve mock-ups prior to installation. The Artist(s) should consider the need for the panels to maintain their structural integrity with the amount/approach to the pixelation and will coordinate that further during the design process. Below is further information about the size and type of structures that the work of art will be incorporated into.

Trash Enclosure: The trash enclosure is located within the parking area and will be experienced by both those driving by and those walking adjacent to the trash enclosure. Located near the water lab drop-off and the public electric vehicle charging station, this structure will screen the trash/recycling bins.  The work of art is intended to be a 2-D graphic design mural that will be perforated onto the Corten panels that are installed on the gates of the enclosure. The enclosure gates are comprised of 4 Corten panels, side by side, each measuring 7’-6” tall x 6’-0” wide. The work of art shall generally span the “canvas” of the panels together and should ideally be no more than approximately 40% open/perforated.

Bike Shelter: The bike shelter is located on the east side of the Public Works Headquarters building, near the east entry to the campus. This structure will be used by staff with space for 16 bikes. The work of art is intended to be a 2-D graphic design mural that will be perforated onto the north wall of Corten panels that enclose the Structure. The north wall is comprised of approximately 7 Corten panels, side by side, each measuring 7’-0” tall x 4’-0” wide. The work of art shall generally span the “canvas” of the panels together and should ideally be no more than approximately 40% open/perforated.

Central Utility Plant Enclosure: The Central Utility Plant is the heart of the mechanical systems for the entire Public Works campus and the largest of the three site structures. The Central Utility Plant is located north of the Fleet Maintenance building and along a primary employee pedestrian circulation path and south of a large rock outcropping. The surround will enclose and shield from view the outdoor equipment including a back-up generator, mechanical chillers, electrical equipment, and space for a future battery to back-up the electrical needs on campus. The work of art is intended to be a 2-D graphic design mural that will be perforated onto the Corten panels that enclose this site structure, up to 85’ in length. The Artist(s), in collaboration with the design-build team, can choose which panels the art gets applied to, and potentially wrap the corner. Consideration of the changes in topography and views from the adjacent buildings and walkways may affect the final location of the art panels. There are approximately 29 Corten panels, each measuring 6’-0” tall x 4’-0” wide that could contain graphic art. The graphic art can encompass a portion or the entirety of the panels. For portions of the enclosure, nearest the mechanical units, the art must be designed to have a minimum of 50% open/perforated to accommodate the mechanical units.  Artist(s) will collaborate with the design- build team to determine if the perforations will meet the mechanical guidelines. Outside of this zone, the panels should be no more than 40% open/perforated.  

Design Fee

The Finalists may be selected to receive the commission to design one, two or all three Site Structures. There will be a Design Fee of $2,500 for the Trash Enclosure, a $5,000 Design Fee for the Bike Shelter and a $7,500 Design Fee for the Central Utility Plant Surround based on the overall scale of each structure. The Artist(s) will provide digital files (DXF. or DWG.)  of the graphic art to be used by a local metal fabricator to laser cut the design onto the flat Corten metal panels. The panels will then be installed onto the structures.

The Design Fee to the Artist(s) will cover the fully developed designs, digital files to produce the 2-D format and project meetings to work through and revise the designs as needed for constructability and conformance to structure requirements. The materials, fabrication and installation will be managed by the design-build team and the contractor.

The City of Bend dedicates one percent (1%) of the total eligible costs of certain improvement projects to the selection, design, fabrication, installation, ongoing maintenance, community education, and documentation of public art. This project is a portion of the 1% for art dedicated to this Campus.

Project Timeline 

·         Call to Artists announced: December 17, 2024

·         Application Due: January 23, 2025 (11pm PST)

·         Notification of Finalists: Late January 2025

·         Design Time: February 2025

·         Artist Presentation of Design Renderings to the Selection Committee: March 2025

·         Public Input Display: Mid-to-Late March 2025

·         Commission Selection: Late March 2025

Selection Process

Phase 1: The Selection Committee consisting of representatives from Art in Public Places, City of Bend and Hennebery Eddy Architects will select up to six Finalists from their past body of work provided in the initial applications.

The Finalists will receive a stipend of $400 for their time incurred to complete their three designs for Phase 2 of the selection process. Finalists will use the stipend for the design phase to create concepts designs, visit the site and meet key players on the design-build team with City of Bend and Hennebery Eddy Architects and participate in a separate meeting to meet the Selection Committee.

Phase 2: Each of the Finalists will present their design renderings to the Selection Committee in a 20 minute meeting in Bend or via Zoom if needed. The overall proposal will include design renderings and a 3-4 minute PowerPoint or video presentation.

In Phase 2, Finalists will create a total of three concept designs that could be integrated onto the Site Structures. One design will be selected for each site structure. The Finalists designs for each Site Structure location will be captured in the posters for the Public Input review in Bend.

Finalists will submit their design renderings in advance of the meeting. The Selection Committee will make their decision based on eligibility and the criteria described below. The Selection Committee may require additional drawings. The three concept designs will go on view in Bend for community public input. The Finalists may be selected to receive the commission to design one, two or all three Site Structures.

Finalists will need to provide design elements for the Selection Committee and a Public Input display in Bend. These printed pieces will include standalone images, a display poster, a short video and a brief description and inspiration for each design. Details and deadlines will be provided for each Finalist.

Submission Requirements

Research indicates members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and apply only if they are a 100% match. Additionally, this Call to Artists is geared as a specific opportunity for new or emerging Artists living in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties in Oregon. If you are passionate about public art and sharing your unique artistic vision, even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. Artists must be 16 years and older to apply.

• Four (4) digital images of relevant design drawings or commissioned graphic design projects. Design examples can be from the last 5+ years showcasing fully conceived sketches, high school or college assignment projects and professional commercial commissions. Artists are encouraged to include images and examples relevant to this project. 

•Two Page Upload Document (Letter of Interest and Image Identification)

1. A statement that indicates your interest in the project and how you would approach the design commission and a brief description of your artistic background (from school projects to paid graphic design work) over the last 5+ years.

Include contact information at the top of the page. (As a PDF file named with “last name. first name.pdf” (serra.richard.pdf).

2. On the second page include detailed image information on the four (4) images uploaded on CAFE. For each image, include:

Title/Project Name, Dimensions.

Year created, Design Fee (if applicable).

Commissioning body/Client/Teacher and the Location city/state).  Each image must have complete information as noted above. The commissioning body and contact information on the images will be reviewed as your professional references.

Artist Submission Requirements

AiPP and the City of Bend reserve the right to accept or reject any submittals and to alter or extend the selection process as needed. The two-page upload is a key document in the application process and must include a one-page letter of interest with the second page for the image identification. This format (noted in 2. above) must be followed and titled as noted or your application will be incomplete. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Artists must live in Deschutes, Crook or Jefferson County in Oregon. We are not accepting Artist Teams for this Call to Artists. The deadline for applying online is January 23, 2025 by 11pm PST.

Finalists Selected Based on the Following:

• Artistic Merit as evidenced by representation of relevant past designs in images.

• Two-Page Document Upload (Letter of Interest and Image Identification).

• Extra consideration given to Emerging Artists and art students (over 16 years old).

• Must reside locally in Deschutes, Crook or Jefferson County in Oregon.

Commission Award Based on the Following:

·         Artistic Graphic Design relevance

·         Interview

·         Public Input

·         Skillset to produce the designs in high-resolution digital files

·         Extra consideration given to emerging artists and art students as well as persons of BIPOC communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists.

·         References may be requested and considered.

The selection committee will evaluate all submissions based on artistic excellence, innovation, interactivity, originality, and the overall design proposed to enliven this public space. The potential to create an impactful design for the three Site Structures will score highly on our evaluation criteria.

Award of Contract

If an individual is working under their name and SSN, then a Oregon business registration will not be required. Only the Artist(s) that receive the Commission (if using a business name) will need to secure a Registered Agent (an official address in Oregon) and then register with the State of Oregon as a domestic entity. Oregon Artists using a business name must be registered in this state. This is standard practice for public entities and will be a necessary step and expense as we finalize the Commission Contract.

Minors (over 16 years old) must upload a signed letter from their parent/guardian that they have permission to apply and participate in the selection and commission process. 

Questions

Questions about the project may be directed to Marcelene Trujillo, AiPP Project Coordinator via email at artinpublicplacesbend@gmail.com. 

CAFE has created several tutorials to help artists with their online applications. Visit: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/

CAFE support is available via email at helpcafe@westaf.org or by calling 303-629-1166. CAFE support is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 5pm MDT. Please note that CAFE will be closed from December 24-January 1, 2025.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities

To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc., please get in touch with City of Bend: Andres Portela at aportela@bendoregon.gov or Cassandra Kehoe at ckehoe@bendoregon.gov [541-693-2141] . Relay Users Dial 7-1-1.

Eligibility

This is a local Call to Artists. Artists must reside in Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook County in Oregon. Artists living anywhere else will be disqualified. Artists must be 16 years and older to apply and must provide a signed letter from their parent/guardian is they are 16-17 years old. Emancipated minors aged 16-17 may submit a judgment of emancipation, in lieu of parental consent.

The City of Bend and AIPP are dedicated to nurturing, promoting, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage individuals from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists to apply. We value and support the participation of emerging local Artists and students in this initiative.