The city of Portland Public Art Commitee (PPAC) has announced an open call for artists to submit qualifications for a new public artwork commission at the forthcoming Portland Harbor Commission Park.  The park is expected to begin construction in March 2026 and open in September 2026.  Soon it will be going through a naming proess to rename the park.

For this art commission, the PPAC seeks a work of art that honors, refines and celebrates Portland’s distinctive sense of place.  Surrounded by water for millennia, Portland’s identity is deeply tied to its maritime heritage, connecting our present community to the past and future.  Artists are enouraged to explore the intersection of water, land, and people, considering the past, present and future in their submissions.

The PPAC preserves, restores and enhances Portland’s public art collection, promoting the educatioal, cultural, economic and general welfare of the city and its residents through art.  The PPAC seeks to incorporate public art whenever possible to enhance city infrastructure projects.

The Commission includes artist design and fee, fabrication, transportation, installation or installation oversight and any lighting specific to the artwork.  The allocated budget for this project is up to $150,000.

Artists are invited to submit materials in PDF format via email to:  publicart@portdlandmaine.gov by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026..  For more information and submssion guidelines, please visit the PPAC website or contact the PPAC at:  publicart@portlandmaine.gov.