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Feb 02, 2026<\/p>\n
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Oakland University launches Spirit of Place Public Arts Competition<\/p>\n
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Oakland University has launched a national competition that will culminate in the installation of a permanent, large-scale artwork that reflects the university\u2019s mission, values and aspirations.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Strategic Vision 2030, which calls for integrating the arts throughout campus and identifying ways to foster a greater appreciation for myriad forms of expression.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat 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,\u201d said Pescovitz. \u201cThrough this competition, we are taking an important step forward in elevating Oakland\u2019s position as a cultural destination and preeminent steward of place.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Spirit of Place Public Arts Committee has been established to help shape and refine the competition\u2019s theme, focusing on signature elements of the OU experience, such as commitment to a just world,\u00a0civil discourse, belonging and community engagement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Spirit of Place Public Arts Committee<\/p>\n
Co-chairs<\/p>\n
Andrea Eis, Distinguished Professor of Film Studies and Production
\nMike Westfall, Vice President for University Advancement<\/p>\n
Members<\/p>\n
Meaghan Berry, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Chair of the Department of Art, Art History, and Design
\nJudith Dolkart, Deputy Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts
\nDavid Dulio, Interim Chief Community Engagement Officer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement
\nKat Goffnett, Associate Curator of Collections at the Cranbrook Art Museum
\nDick Goody, Professor of Art and Director of the Oakland University Art Gallery
\nElisabeth Hoegberg, Director of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Music
\nStephen Mackey, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
\nMark Navin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy
\nJohn Young, Vice President of University Communications and Marketing<\/p>\n