City of Newport South Beach Pathway Sculptures

Opportunity Summary

The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA) is commissioning 8 permanent sculptures for the South Beach Placemaking Project for the City of Newport, Oregon. This opportunity is open to artists with public art sculpture experience, with preference for those located in the Pacific Northwest.

General Information

Newport is located on the central Oregon Coast. It is a hub for marine sciences and has an active commercial fishing fleet. The area's history includes Native American culture and has a rich history in timber, fishing, farming, and tourism. The sculptures will be placed on SE Ferry Slip Rd, opposite the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Newport has a temperate climate with high winds and salt air, requiring durable materials for outdoor public art.

Project Details

• Themes: local natural landscapes, marine sciences, coastal environment, marine industries, cultural heritage and historical narratives.
• Plinth A: 18” tall and 48” diameter (6 available)
• Plinth B: 18” tall and 96” diameter (1 available)
• Plinth C: 18” tall and 64” wide, semicircular 33” radius (2 available)
• Sculptures must be no more than 10’ high and weigh less than 500 pounds.

Project Timeline

• Nov 2026: Call for Entry pathway sculptures
• Jan 2027: Review of entries, potential interviews of artists
• Jan 2027: Final selections made, artists notified
• Feb 2027: Engineering of pathway sculptures
• March 2027: Contract execution for pathway sculptures, 50% downpayment paid
• Summer 2027: Pathway sculptures installed
• Nov 2027: Celebration event, artists invited to attend

Evaluation Criteria

• Visual Impact (30%): Uniquely organized art elements, striking and memorable piece.
• Composition and Design (30%): Reflects Newport’s coastal environment, Indigenous history or culture, industries (fishing, ocean sciences, forestry), or current population.