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Redmond leaders outline art program for Roberts Field terminal expansion, propose advisory panel
Summary
City staff described locations and a proposed committee to select public art for the airportterminal expansion; staff said the airport project budget and timing allow about $1 million for art and that a regional selection panel is planned.
Redmond City Council members and staff discussed plans this week to create a standing art-selection panel and site-specific artwork for the Roberts Field terminal expansion.
Zach (staff member) opened the discussion by saying the terminal expansion is an opportunity to use art to reduce traveler stress and to advertise local culture. "It's the gateway to local culture," he said, describing art as a wayfinding and marketing tool for arriving visitors.
Staff told the council the terminal expansion project budget is approximately $180,000,000 and that the current allotment for public art is about $1,000,000, roughly 0.55% of the project cost after value engineering reduced earlier estimates. Zach said the project is through design development and roughly 40% to 50% through construction documents, with site work expected to begin in May and the official construction start later in the summer; he said the build is currently estimated at about two years.
Why it matters: Councilors and community members said airport art is the "first thing you see" when visiting, and they urged a program that clearly signals Central Oregon and Redmond identity rather than generic or out-of-region installations. Councilor Catherine (councilor) and others urged work that highlights local landmarks and events such as Smith Rock, the rodeo and seasonal activities.
Discussion highlights
- Selection process: Zach outlined common airport approaches: open RFQ/RFP processes, direct commissions of artists, or hybrid models. He recommended a selection committee/panel to review proposals and work with architects on technical fit and installation requirements.
- Site opportunities: Staff pointed to several high-visibility locations past TSA and on the second floor near new escalators where a single freestanding structure up to about 20 feet tall or large wall installations could be sited. Staff also said some areas currently host advertising that could convert to art panels or rotating exhibits.
- Local emphasis and rotating exhibits: Multiple council members and local representatives urged prioritizing local and regional artists. Councilor Catherine said she wants art that makes visitors "know where you arrived"; another speaker suggested changeable, seasonal installations (for example, snowboarding imagery in winter and golf imagery in summer) so the airport can reflect current events and attractions.
- Committee membership and scope: Council and staff discussed a committee of about seven to nine members representing a mix of local institutions. Suggested participants included Dry Canyon Arts Association, Watson Creative (with one to two members), High Desert Museum, RCAP, COBA/Visit Bend, tribal representatives (Warm Springs was mentioned), Sunriver/resort representation, the Greater Redmond Historical Society, and one or two council liaisons. Staff said they would draft a membership list and return to council with a recommendation at a subsequent meeting.
- Balance with advertising: Councilors acknowledged revenue from advertising but expressed a preference toward art where feasible. One member noted that kiosks by baggage claim and digital advertising are revenue sources and asked that the selection panel consider the balance between advertising return and public art value.
Next steps and staff direction
Staff will draft guidance for a selection panel, identify up to nine recommended members drawn from the local and regional organizations discussed, and return to council for confirmation at a future meeting. Staff also said they will coordinate with architects to confirm technical requirements for each proposed artwork location and begin outreach to artists when the panel is formed.
Ending
Councilors supported forming a committee and asked staff to bring back a fleshed-out membership and selection process for council review. Several councilors emphasized the importance of making the program a Redmond asset while still permitting regional participation and rotating exhibits.
