2023-24 Downtown Sculpture Gallery - City of Auburn, WA

The City of Auburn invites sculptors to submit applications for Auburn's Downtown Sculpture Gallery. The Downtown Sculpture Gallery showcases 13 sculptures throughout Auburn's historic downtown and around the City. Selected works will be on loan to the City for twelve months (September 2023 – September 2024) and can 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 select a work or works to be purchased for inclusion in the City of Auburn's permanent collection, with a budget of $10,000 set aside for this purpose. A "People's Choice" vote will be held online and via printed ballots throughout the exhibition, with the winning sculptor receiving a $500 prize.

Artists must be 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 and the general public. Existing sculptures and artwork proposals are accepted. Artwork will be located throughout Auburn's downtown with locations assigned by City staff. Sculptures can be welded onto or bolted onto a steel plate attached to a concrete pedestal. Specific design parameters apply depending on pedestal location, including weight limits (maximum 5,000 lbs for sidewalk pedestals) and width restrictions (3' 8" from base to 7' height for sidewalk pedestals; 5' maximum width from 7' to 12' height). 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 artwork will be insured by the City during display but not during installation or deinstallation. Artists are responsible for transportation, installation logistics, and any repairs needed due to build quality during the exhibition.

Applications must include: artist's statement (PDF), current resume or CV (PDF), up to ten digital images (one per sculpture; detail shots combined into one JPEG), artwork details (title, media, dimensions, date), and optionally a drawing, photo, or description of the base and attachment method. Applications must be received by March 16, 2023 at 10:59 PM Pacific Time. Inquiries can be directed to Allison Hyde, Arts Coordinator: [email protected], 253-804-5043.