PUBLIC ART STEP UP Project - CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Sep 19, 2026

Pendleton Public Art Commission seeks proposals for a small outdoor mural project at Brownfield Park as the first installment of its “Public Art Step Up” program. The commission aims to activate an under-used public space and create an engaging “photo hot spot” designed for social media sharing. Artists must meet eligibility requirements, propose a culturally and artistically strong design within specified dimensions, and follow submission, evaluation, and contractual terms for payments, materials reimbursement, and documentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Location and Artwork Requirements

Location

Maximum Image Size

Program Goal

Guidelines and Eligibility

Artist eligibility

Payment and reimbursement

Artwork ownership and copyright

Submission Instructions

Cover letter

Required images and drawing

Budget and email submission

Evaluation Process and Decision Timeline

Scoring criteria

Review and announcement

Contractual Terms and Additional Requirements

PUBLIC ART STEP UP Project CALL FOR PROPOSALS The City of Pendleton Public Art Commission seeks proposals for a small mural project at Brownfield Park, on the corner of SE Byers Avenue and South Main Street, as part of their “Public Art Step Up” program. The Public Art Step Up program is designed to provide emerging and established artists who don’t have a public art project on their CV with an opportunity to build their artistic credentials. The goal is for completed projects to provide artists with the foundation for applying for larger public art projects in the future. The Brownfield Park project is the first in the series. LOCATION: The wood panel located closest to Main Street at the north side of the park has been identified for this project. The proposed artwork should not exceed the area noted in the drawing: Maximum image size: 70” wide x 58” tall. GOAL: This project seeks to enhance an under-utilized public space and encourage visitors and locals to interact with the work, creating a “photo hot spot” that lends itself to social media distribution. The successful proposal will speak to the culture, history, flora, fauna, geography, or industry of the city and exhibit strong artistic merit. All artistic styles will be considered, with special consideration for designs that show a strong artistic voice and an unexpected approach to the project. GUIDELINES: - Must be at least 18 years old. - Artists must reside in Umatilla County. - Must not have completed a municipal, county, state, or corporate sponsored public art project previously. - A $1500 artist payment will be paid to the selected artist. Upon selection, artist may submit an invoice for $500. Upon completion of the project, the artist may submit an invoice for the remaining $1000. - Materials will be covered up to $300. Proposed materials must be professional-grade and designed for outdoor, long-term use. Receipts must be submitted to the City for the materials reimbursement. - Artist must provide the City with a completed W-9 form and the artist will receive a 1099-NEC tax form at the end of the year. - The City of Pendleton Arts Commission will cover the cost and installation of anti-graffiti coating, if appropriate for the selected project medium - This project’s funding and implementation is contingent on the Public Art Commission receiving a conditional use permit from the City of Pendleton. - While the illustration above shows a rectangular outline on the project panel, the finished artwork does not have to be rectangular in nature. - The finished artwork will become the property of the City of Pendleton. The copyright for the image, along with rights to create any reproductions or printed merchandise, will remain with the artist. - Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of the City of Pendleton Public Art - Commission and a decision will be announced on or before , 2026. - Submissions will be scored on 1. artistic merit, 2. suitability of the design for public engagement, 3. capacity of the artist to complete the project, and 4. suitability of the materials for a 5 to10 year public art project, 5. visibility from downtown locations. - Project must be completed before , 2026. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: - Please submit a cover letter describing your proposed project, along with some narrative about how you see the design addressing the project goal. Be sure that this letter includes your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. - Please submit two images of previously completed work in the medium proposed. (Jpeg or PDF format) - Please submit a detailed drawing or digital imagery of the proposed design in jpeg or PDF format. - Please submit a detailed budget for the materials required to complete the project. Specific paint brands and formulas must be cited so that the information about volatile organic compounds, etc. may be captured for the City mural permit. - Submis

FAQs

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Artists must be at least 18 years old and must reside in Umatilla County. Applicants must not have previously completed a municipal, county, state, or corporate sponsored public art project.

What is the project goal and what kind of artwork is preferred?

The project is designed to enhance an under-utilized public space and encourage visitor interaction, creating a “photo hot spot” suitable for social media. Successful proposals should reflect the city’s culture, history, flora, fauna, geography, or industry, with strong artistic merit and an unexpected approach.

What should artists submit and how are proposals evaluated?

Submissions require a cover letter describing the proposed design and its alignment with the project goal, two images of previously completed work, and a detailed drawing or digital imagery of the proposed design, plus a detailed materials budget. Proposals are scored on artistic merit, design suitability for public engagement, artist capacity, materials suitability for a 5–10 year project, and visibility from downtown locations.

Sep 19, 2026

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