2021-22 Downtown Sculpture Gallery - City of Auburn, WA

The City of Auburn invites sculptors to submit applications for Auburn's Downtown Sculpture Gallery, a public art exhibition showcasing eleven sculptures throughout the historic downtown. Selected works will be on loan to the City for twelve months (September 2021 – September 2022) and may be available for sale during that time. Each selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend. At the conclusion of the exhibition, the selection committee may purchase one or more works for inclusion in the City of Auburn's permanent collection with a budget of $10,000. A "People's Choice" vote will be held online and via printed ballots, with the winning sculptor receiving a $500 prize.

Eligibility is open to professional artists or artist teams living or working in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Montana). Applicants may submit up to ten sculptures for consideration. Artwork may be in any media and must be durable, suitable for outdoors, and able to withstand the elements as well as interaction with pedestrians. Both existing sculptures and artwork proposals are accepted; proposals can be submitted as sketches or illustrations with examples of other work. Artwork will be located throughout Auburn's downtown with locations assigned by City staff. Sculptures can be welded or bolted onto steel plates attached to concrete pedestals. The City will provide signage, feature artwork on its website, include work in promotional materials, host a walking tour, and create a video featuring the artists. The City will insure artwork during display but not during installation or deinstallation. Artists are responsible for transportation and installation of their work, with some city assistance provided.

Design parameters vary by pedestal location. Five pedestals on the sidewalk require artwork not exceeding 5,000 lbs, with maximum widths of 3'8" from base to 7' height and 5' maximum width from 7' to 12' height. Two pedestals in raised planter boxes (approximately 3' x 3') are suited for smaller, eye-level work. One pedestal adjacent to the sidewalk allows 5' maximum width. One pedestal is within a 20' x 5' x 18" raised planter box. One location is a flush 4' x 4' concrete pad adjacent to the sidewalk. Artists must provide detailed installation instructions and work with City staff to secure artwork. Artists are responsible for any repairs due to build quality during the exhibition and must comply with all terms in the loan agreement. Application deadline: February 18, 2021 at 10:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Applications must include artist statement, resume or CV, digital images of up to ten sculptures (one JPEG per sculpture), artwork details, and optional drawings or descriptions of attachment methods.