Call for Artists April Showers

Talk about an abundance! These 16 call for artists are fantastic opportunities for sculptors to keep their heads, hands, and hearts busy–and hopefully their pockets filled–during this crazy time. Stay safe, and happy sculpting!


Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum

Springfield IL

Summary: The Committee is interested in an exterior sculpture or installation that will activate the new entry plaza area being created for the Coliseum restoration project. In addition to artwork the area will provide a sense of arrival to the building and incorporate seating and landscaping.

Budget: $73,000

Deadline: 4/17/2020

How to apply: email or mail (see link below for pdf with full RFQ)

Eligibility Requirements: These public art commissions and potential purchases are open to all professional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams that live and work in the state of Illinois.

Special Notes: The themes that the Committee is most interested in exploring are the importance of agriculture to Illinois as well as the Coliseum as a site of joyful gathering.

At least three artists/teams will be selected from the pool of eligible artists/teams and paid a fee of $1,500.00 each to develop and present site specific proposals.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


2021 International Kinetic Art Biennial Celebrating Art in Motion

Boynton Beach, FL

Summary: The City of Boynton Beach Arts Commission invite you to display your artwork along the “Avenue of the Arts”, which stretches for more than eleven blocks in downtown.

Budget: $1,500

Deadline: 4/17/20

How to apply: Filesharing or mail (see link below for instructions)

Eligibility Requirements: no restrictions noted

Special Notes: Each selected artist will receive $1,500.00 per artwork selected to cover delivery and installation of the artwork. You, the artist, will be responsible for the delivery, installation and loan of the artwork. If you cannot install the artwork the City can assist with this service as part of the stipend. The City provides property insurance for the artwork on display. All artwork is promoted for sale with a 30% contribution to the Art in Public Places program.

Click here to read more about this call for artists and instructions on how to apply


TAAP 3-D

Loveland, CO

Summary: The City of Loveland Art in Public Places Program seeks sculptures to be placed in Downtown Loveland as part of The Art Advocacy Project (TAAP), a one-year sculpture exhibition scheduled from mid-June 2020 until mid-June 2021.

Budget: Selected artists will be awarded an honorarium of $2,000. 

Deadline: 4/20/20

How to apply: CaFÉ™

Eligibility Requirements: Open to all artists of three-dimensional media.

Special Notes: Artists may submit up to 2 sculptures for consideration; however, each sculpture must be submitted separately.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm

Pittsburgh, PA

Summary: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Public Art is launching a new initiative, titled Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm. The initiative will commission up to three artists to produce projects that respond to the current crisis and propose new approaches to bridging social distance.

Budget: Each selected artist will receive $1,500 to implement their project.

Deadline: 4/20/2020

How to apply: Submittable

Eligibility Requirements: This opportunity is open to any visual and performing artists in Southwestern Pennsylvania interested in developing a creative project that seeks to bridge the social distance created by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic

Special Notes: Artists will be selected in late April, and projects are anticipated to be launched in late May 2020.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Community Public Art Project

Project Head (H3)

Summary: Chicago Sculpture International (CSI), in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, is seeking experienced artists and artist teams to work with the community surrounding Tuley Park to create an original, site-specific, public sculpture for the park fieldhouse or grounds. CPD is requesting artist proposals that would involve hands-on collaboration with the Tuley Park community to create the artwork and programs (workshops, presentations, etc.) to accompany the project, and/or work and align with existing park programs.

Budget: $8,000

Deadline: 4/20/20

How to apply: email (see link below)

Eligibility Requirements: This RFP is open to professional artists or artist teams that are Chicago residents and at least 18 years of age.

Special Notes: The work resulting from this community project must be safe for the public and be able to last for up to five years. If it is an outdoor sculpture, it must be freestanding and resilient to varying temperatures and other outdoor elements. Structural integrity and safety are primary considerations even though the work will be for viewing only and not for climbing.

Project must be finished by October 30, 2020.

Click here to read more about this call for artists and instructions on how to apply


Texas A&M University Matthew Gaines

College Station, TX

Summary: Texas A&M University is announcing an open competition for professional artists or artist teams to commission a site specific public art installation commemorating contributions made by Matthew Gaines, Washington County’s first African American state senator, and the 12th Texas Legislature. The installation will reside on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas, in a high traffic area near the south side of the new Student Services Building.

Budget: $150,000

Deadline: 4/22/20

How to apply: Online

Eligibility Requirements: no restrictions noted

Special Notes: Artists should consider figurative elements as part of their concept and the following inspirational words when coming up with ideas for the public art installation: Unity | Spirit | Diversity | Inviting | Nurturing

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Parcel J

Orlando, Fl

Summary: The Orange County Public Art Review Board seeks one or more artist(s) or artists’ team(s) to develop artwork for a new public park that will be easy to maintain and durable. The art and materials used need to be very low maintenance, and able to withstand the elements. The park will be unmanned. The park and artwork will not be lit at night. No electricity is available to the artwork.

Budget: $33,500

Deadline: 4/24/20

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: This opportunity is open to professional artists working in any appropriate media. Student artists may apply if they can secure an experienced public artist to serve as a mentor to oversee their work.

Special Notes: This will be a new park in the growing suburbs on former Florida scrub land where Sandhill Cranes once were a common sight, and it will provide the County with several lit fields for sports like soccer, lacrosse, etc. There will also be an inclusive playground where children with disabilities can play alongside typically-abled children. This will be a playground where all children will feel at home.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Cass Avenue Bridge

Detroit, Michigan

NOTE: THIS PROJECT IS DELAYED INDEFINITELY BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS.

Summary: multiple opportunities are available for decorating the approach and bridge itself

Budget: $200,000

Deadline: 4/24/20

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: This is a national call for artists

Special Notes: The project must meet both Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state design guidelines. This budget must cover all the artist(s) fees, costs, and expenses associated with designing, fabricating and installing the artwork.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Law Enforcement Memorial Garden

Kansas City, MO

Summary: The Regional Law Enforcement Memorial Garden honors and celebrates the men and women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Located at the Regional Police Academy, the garden is envisioned as a sequence of ever-changing spaces that tell the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as to honor past and current officers and their families, who make daily sacrifices to serve and protect.

Budget: $20,000

Deadline: 4/24/20

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: not clearly stated

Special Notes: The goals of the Law Enforcement Memorial Garden public art project are to:

  • honor fallen law enforcement officers through innovative expressions of visual art in a memorial garden setting; and
  • create a destination to be enjoyed by diverse residents and visitors, and which engenders stewardship and a shared sense of pride in community.

For more information about the project, visit: https://kclemg.org/.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Dixie State University Science – Engineering & Technology

St. George, Utah

Summary: Dixie State University in partnership with the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management and the Utah Division of Arts & Museum Public Art Program is requesting artist or artist team qualifications for the creation of site-specific artwork(s) for the Dixie State University Science, Technology and Engineering Building in St. George, Utah.

Budget: $340,000

Deadline: 4/24/20 11:59 pm (Mountain time)

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: Resident US citizen or legal resident artists / artist teams are eligible to apply for this project. Utah artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Special Notes: If you have any questions about this or other projects, information is available at: publicart.utah.gov

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Facility

Taylorsville, UT

Summary: Request for qualifications from interested artists or artist teams to create site specific artwork(s) or propose appropriate existing artwork for the new Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Facility in Taylorsville, UT

Budget: $35,000

Deadline: 4/24/20

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: This project is open to resident American and legal resident artists / artist teams residing in the Western United States to include: Utah, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Special Notes: It is the intention of the Art Selection Committee to commission new artwork or purchase existing art. This public artwork may draw inspiration from or derive context from the community of Taylorsville and / or the surrounding community, the services offered by DABC, the architecture, or the magnificent Utah landscape.

The Committee has identified any of the exterior areas as potential sites for this commission. The Committee would be open to artist suggested sites as appropriate and applicable for their work, the architecture, and maintaining open egress.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


The Bike Rack Project 2020

Roswell, GA

Summary: Roswell Arts Fund, in partnership with the City of Roswell, Georgia, is seeking proposals for the design, fabrication, and installation of sculptural bike racks. This call is for the creation of monumental, sculptural works that will showcase the diverse neighborhoods, history, and natural landscapes of the City of Roswell. All sculptures will become permanent part of Roswell’s public art collection. All sites and installed bike racks will comply with city standards, codes, and policies as identified in this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Budget: $30,000

Selected artists will be awarded a commission of up to $10,000 for the project dependent on the submitted cost analysis for design, fabrication, transportation, installation and related expenses. However, commissions are expected to occur in the averages of $4,000-5,000. This dollar amount represents the full compensation for the artist to design, fabricate, and install the work.

Deadline: 4/27/20

How to apply: PublicArtist.org

Eligibility Requirements: This call is open to all artists, designers, and teams. Applicants must be 18 or older.

Special Notes: Please visit www.roswellartsfund.org for more information.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Prospectus #257 New Mexico Military Institute Commission Project

Roswell, New Mexico

Summary: The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee (LSC) for NMMI seek an artist or artist team to create an exterior, site-specific commission project to be situated at the South East corner of the NMMI post. The LSC is interested in commissioning artwork that will engage students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the NMMI Campus in a way that speaks to the rich history and heritage of NMMI, South Eastern New Mexico, and the Cadets that have attended NMMI. The LSC would like a work that is large in scale (life-size or larger) and would serve as an iconic landmark that identifies NMMI to the passerby and welcomes those to the NMMI campus as this is the main entrance to the post.

Budget: $246,562.00

Deadline: 4/27/20

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: This request for qualifications is open to all artists or artist teams working in the Southwest region (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico)

Special Notes: The LSC would like artists to consider:

  • The project could be a bronze (or other material with similar patina/look) sculpture or tableau. Similar to the existing sculptures located on the post.
  • The artwork should reflect the following elements:
    • Timeline: Post Vietnam / War on Terror to current day.
    • To honor our alumni and those who are currently or have previously served, or those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, men and women.
    • Symbols of the Cavalry heritage in consideration of the modern army.
    • The project may incorporate an accurate and representational depiction of a current-day soldier or soldiers, men and women. (Post-Vietnam Era and War on Terror)
    • This project will contribute to the construction of a contemplative/reflective atmosphere at this location on the post.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


Creative Community Lynnstallation

Lynn, MA

Summary: The City of Lynn, the Downtown Lynn Cultural District (DTLCD), the Lynn Office of Community Development and the Lynn Public Arts Commission (LPAC) are seeking an artistic concept for a signature work of art at Lynn’s Mt. Vernon and Exchange Street Plaza. The goal of this project is to install artwork that reflects the spirit of Lynn, enlivens the gateway to the DTLCD as a destination, and increases use of the Plaza as a gathering space.

Budget: Pre-qualified public art concepts are eligible for funding up to $75,000, less any funds allocated for concept development through concept development grant agreements. Funding is inclusive of materials, artist fees, insurance, design and development, fabrication, contingency, and installation costs.

Deadline: 4/30/20, noon

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: The call is open to any resident of the United States of America aged 18 years or older; however, individuals located outside of Massachusetts must partner with an individual or organization in Massachusetts.

Special Notes: Artists/Artist Teams pre-qualified to submit concepts must sign grant agreements in order to receive up to $1,000 per team in funding for concept development as Qualified Artist Teams

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


South County Recycling & Transfer Stations

Algona, WA

Summary: 4Culture and King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) seek an artist or artist-led team to create site-specific or site-integrated artwork for the new South County Recycling & Transfer Station (SCRTS).

Budget: $500,000 OR $540,000 (see notes)

Deadline: 4/30/20

How to apply: 4Culture.org

Eligibility Requirements: open to professional artists and artist-led teams residing in the Washington, Oregon or British Columbia. Artists whose work is focused on sustainability and the environment, reuse of materials, and/or naturally-sourced materials are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with cultural connections to The Muckleshoot Tribe of Indians and those who identify as Indigenous or underrepresented as well as artists who have an interest or history in education or mentorship of emerging artists are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Special Notes: Two budget options are available for this opportunity with specific application requirements:
Non-mentorship option for individual artists and artist teams: $500,000 (Budget is inclusive of artist fee, fabrication and installation of artwork(s), applicable taxes and travel)
Mentorship option for artists applying as mentor and mentee artist(s): $540,000 (Budget is inclusive of artist fees for both the mentor and mentee artist(s), fabrication and installation of artwork(s), applicable taxes and travel. $40,000 will be held aside to pay the mentee artist(s) directly. If there are multiple mentee artists, that amount will be divided evenly between them.)

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply


10th Biennial Art 2C on Havana 2020-2022

Aurora, CO

Summary: The City of Aurora Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) and the On Havana Business Improvement District (Havana BID) are looking for outdoor sculpture to be considered for an exhibition on Havana Street in Aurora, CO, for two years. The exhibit is scheduled to open in October, 2020. Selected artists should anticipate installing their artwork in the first week of October, 2020 and de-installing it in mid-September, 2022.

Budget: Exhibiting artists will be paid a $2,500 stipend for the transportation, installation, and de-installation of their artwork.

Deadline: 4/30/20 (was originally 3/29/20)

How to apply: CaFÉ

Eligibility Requirements: This is a regional call for artists residing in the following states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Special Notes: The Havana BID is providing funds for cash awards in the following amounts:
1st Place: $1,250
2nd Place: $750
3rd Place: $500

Sculptures may be purchased from the Art 2C on Havana exhibit and will be advertised as such. Aurora AIPP may purchase sculpture from the exhibit to be added to the City’s public art collection.

Click here to read more about this call for artists or to apply