Oakland University launches Spirit of Place Public Arts Competition

Oakland University has launched a national competition that will culminate in the installation of a permanent, large-scale artwork that reflects the university’s mission, values and aspirations.

The Spirit of Place Public Arts Competition seeks to spotlight the university as a vibrant cultural hub for students, faculty, staff and community members. It is part of the Cultural Ambassadors Initiative of OU’s Strategic Vision 2030, which calls for integrating the arts throughout campus and identifying ways to foster a greater appreciation for myriad forms of expression.

Funded by a generous $250,000 gift from OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, along with a $100,000 university match, the competition aims to create an inspirational and unifying symbol of the Oakland educational experience.

“Great universities are defined not only by their academic excellence, but also by their ability to foster a sense of place and belonging through art and beauty,” said Pescovitz. “Through this competition, we are taking an important step forward in elevating Oakland’s position as a cultural destination and preeminent steward of place.”

The Spirit of Place Public Arts Committee has been established to help shape and refine the competition’s theme, focusing on signature elements of the OU experience, such as commitment to a just world, civil discourse, belonging and community engagement.

In addition, the committee will identify an ideal campus location for the artwork, develop a national outreach strategy to attract a diverse pool of leading artists, ensure meaningful engagement with campus stakeholders in the review process, and review and select the winning proposal.

Spirit of Place Public Arts Committee

Co-chairs

• Andrea Eis, Distinguished Professor of Film Studies and Production
• Mike Westfall, Vice President for University Advancement

Members

• Meaghan Barry, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Chair of the Department of Art, Art History, and Design
• Judith Dolkart, Deputy Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts
• David Dulio, Interim Chief Community Engagement Officer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement
• Kat Goffnett, Associate Curator of Collections at the Cranbrook Art Museum
• Dick Goody, Professor of Art and Director of the Oakland University Art Gallery
• Elisabeth Hoegberg, Director of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Music
• Stephen Mackey, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
• Mark Navin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy
• John Young, Vice President of University Communications and Marketing

To learn more about the Spirit of Place Public Arts Competition, visit the web page.