Respond to Racism (RtR), in collaboration with the Lake Oswego Public Library (LOPL) and the Arts Council of Lake Oswego (ACLO), invites artists/artist teams living in Oregon to submit proposals for a site-specific public artwork installation at the exterior of the Lake Oswego Public Library. The installation is to be unveiled by summer 2026. The installation will include interpretive panel(s) and sidewalk
stamps.
One artist/artist team will be selected to create public art installations that communicate historically relevant and accurate information regarding the history of racism in Lake Oswego and the City’s aspiration to be free of racism, as well as embody themes of hope and healing, along the same block. The budget available for the commission is $31,000.
Strong consideration is given to proposals that are led by artists who
are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. The RFP opens on July 15, 2025. Proposals are due by 11:59 pm PST on Friday, August 15, 2025.
How to apply:
Read the entire Request for Proposal document which contains all the information needed to apply including details about the selection process and templates you can use: Request for Proposals: RtR x ACLO x LOPL Public Art Installations
Submit your proposal and all required materials using this form:
Public Library Art Installation application form
Proposals are due by 11:59 pm PST on Friday, August 15.
Review the scoring guide
We invite prospective applicants to use this scoring guide to better understand the criteria that our
panelists may consider while reviewing proposals.
RFP Scoring Guide for Public Art Installation Project
This guide is not exhaustive by design as we recognize that each proposal may excel in some areas while facing challenges in others.
Ultimately the entire proposal and context of the work is taken into account when making final selections. Proposals will be scored by a panel composed of community members and representatives from the three partnering organizations.
Important Dates
July 15, 2025 — RFP launch
August 4, 2025 — Info session via Zoom at 3:00 pm PST (Register Here)
August 15, 2025 — Proposals due
October 22, 2025 — Notifications sent
August-November 2025 — Panel review, artist selection, funds distributed
November 2025-January 2026 — Design Phase
February-July 2026 — Fabrication and Installation
August 2026 — Artwork complete, public unveiling
