Our investment into public art will provide beautiful and thought-provoking experiences for decades to come, as well as support local Northwest Artists.
Like libraries, art invites people into worlds of wonder, refuge and possibility. Art facilitates healing, moves us through history, reminds us of our connection to one another, and challenges our certainties. Deschutes County lacks access to diverse and thought-provoking art in open, free, and accessible public buildings.
Libraries offer people from all walks of life an opportunity to view and reflect on art. We are seeking artists to contribute work that tells diverse stories from a variety of perspectives and in an array of mediums. Art will be found in both expected and unexpected places, both in the buildings and on library grounds.
In order to purchase art beyond the 1% allocation in construction funds, we are seeking $1 million to help curate a diverse and provocative collection that reflects important community themes, such as ecology, justice, equity, and healing.
Libraries play host to so many community needs in Deschutes County, including exposure to and appreciation of the arts. Art fosters the creative spirit and adds beauty to our shared environment. It can transport us, inspire us, and add meaning to our lives. Many people don't have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, or theaters, but everyone can experience free public art.
Displaying artwork can bring members of the community together by providing an inspirational environment, offering opportunities for cultural enrichment and social interaction. Art can also help libraries become hubs for community engagement and involvement, enhancing the overall library experience, and supporting learning and education.
Art from across the Northwest will be included in all library locations, and the library will seek artists with a clear voice and vision to submit traditional and non-traditional work. Art will be curated to reflect important community themes, as well as represent connections between water, the land, and the diverse communities that depend upon them.