Keizer Public Art Commission seeks artists for storm-drain and street-art projects

Martha Bonner, a member of the Keizer Public Art Commission (KPAC), told the Community Diversity Engagement Committee on April 2 that KPAC has launched two initiatives this year: a storm-drain art campaign called 'Only rain down the drain' and a street-art painting program modeled on similar efforts in neighboring communities.

Bonner said the storm-drain project will select adult and youth artists and that each selected artist will receive a $200 stipend. She described the street-art project as a newer program that the commission hopes will also provide opportunities for local artists and noted the projects can be used to engage multicultural communities and youth who may not otherwise participate through traditional outreach channels.

Bonner said KPAC's baseline budget for purchases and programming is modest—about $3,000 annually—though individual projects sometimes receive additional grant funding. She described KPAC's responsibilities: deciding public-art placements, reviewing submissions for family appropriateness and city fit, and managing rotating displays inside the Keizer Civic Center.

KPAC asked the diversity committee to help more broadly advertise calls for artists and to identify indigenous and local artists for an October–November Indigenous Peoples display at the Civic Center. Committee members asked about purchase vs. donated artwork and about outreach methods; Bonner said KPAC relies largely on word-of-mouth, the city website and social media, and requested committee assistance reaching underrepresented cultural groups.

Next steps: KPAC will continue accepting submissions and work with the committee on outreach to ensure a diverse applicant pool.