PRESS CONTACT:
Emilly Prado, Project Manager on behalf of Respond to Racism
emillygprado@gmail.com | 650-430-3269
RELEASE DATE:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
LAKE OSWEGO, OR — Respond to Racism (RtR) in collaboration with the Lake Oswego Public Library (LOPL), and the Arts Council of Lake Oswego (ACLO) have extended the deadline for their public art Request for Proposals (RFP). This major public art opportunity ($31,000 commission) is open to Oregon-based artists and artist teams until Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm PST.
The project will commission original, site-specific artworks to be installed at the exterior of the Lake Oswego Public Library, including:
- Interpretive panel(s): Sharing historically relevant and accurate information about the history of racism in Lake Oswego, centering residents of color, and reflecting the City’s aspiration to be free of racism.
- Sidewalk stamps: Text and/or imagery embedded into the sidewalks along 4th Street between D and E Avenues to spark reflection and dialogue.
The grant award for the commission is $31,000, inclusive of design, materials, fabrication, installation, and related expenses. Selected work is intended to become part of the City of Lake Oswego’s permanent public art collection, with installation expected by summer 2026.
“This art installation seeks to create a vision of hope and healing in Lake Oswego by engaging the community with local BIPOC histories and aspirations for the future. Respond to Racism envisions a Lake Oswego where BIPOC community members are not simply tolerated, but empowered to thrive. This is especially important in this political climate where community members are being terrorized by ICE and increasingly militarized police forces while federal, state and local governments roll back DEI policies in real time. Public art can be a powerful tool for inspiring change and with very few installations that center BIPOC communities currently in Lake Oswego’s permanent collection, this is a prime opportunity to create the change we wish to see,” said Bruce Poinsette, Executive Director, Respond to Racism. “By extending the deadline, we hope to ensure that this opportunity is accessible to a wide pool of artists and that it reaches the communities whose stories this project seeks to honor.”
Library Director, Melissa Kelly, says “The Lake Oswego Public Library welcomes everyone. We want the entire community to feel a sense of belonging at the library and are very excited to add an art installation that will be a visible symbol of inclusion, empowerment and healing.”
The RFP is open to artists at all stages of their careers, with strong consideration given to projects led by Black, Indigenous, and artists of color. Proposals that incorporate community engagement, social justice themes, and historical storytelling are especially encouraged.
Key Dates:
- RFP Opened: July 15, 2025
- New Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Artist Selection Notification: October 22, 2025
- Public Unveiling: Summer 2026
How to Apply:
Proposals must be submitted through the RtR application form by 11:59 pm pst on Sunday, August 31, 2025: https://forms.gle/hZbRC6RjAq8vJcY18.
The full RFP with art installation requirements, site photos, informational session recording, and additional resources are available on the Respond to Racism website: https://respondtoracism.org/request-for-proposal-public-art-installation/
About Respond to Racism
Respond to Racism is a community-led nonprofit created to disrupt racism in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Clackamas County. Through education, dialogue, and action, RtR builds awareness, fosters resilience, and mobilizes community members and institutions to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
About Lake Oswego Public Library
The Lake Oswego Public Library cultivates wellbeing and inspires discovery by welcoming all people to read, learn, and connect. Through a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Library champions lifelong learning and community engagement for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
About Arts Council of Lake Oswego
The Arts Council of Lake Oswego manages the City’s public art program and is dedicated to ensuring art is accessible, inclusive, and integral to civic life. Through stewardship of the permanent art collection and public programming, ACLO connects residents and visitors with meaningful artistic experiences.
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