6th Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition

The City of Ocala Cultural Arts Office is seeking entries for the 6th Biennial Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Ten works will be selected for a two-year outdoor exhibition in Tuscawilla Park, a 45-acre green space in Ocala, Florida. Each selected artist will receive a $2,000 honorarium to cover transportation, installation, and de-installation of the sculpture. Additional costs are the sole responsibility of the artist. Honoraria checks will be presented at the time of installation.

Awards include Best in Show ($2,000), 2nd Place ($1,000), Honorable Mention ($500), and People's Choice ($500). The competition is open to artists currently working and residing in the United States with experience designing, fabricating, and installing large outdoor public art. Entry fee is $25.00, and artists may submit up to three different works. Each work must be submitted with three to nine professional quality digital images (jpg format, 180ppi), a professional resume, artist statement, and a word document containing artist contact information, work title, materials, dimensions, weight, and value.

All work must be able to withstand high traffic in a public park environment for two years, be capable of withstanding Florida weather conditions (high humidity, high temperatures, heavy rain, thunderstorms, high winds), and be maintenance-free for the duration of the exhibition. Work must have been completed within the last five years (2016 or after) and may not have been previously displayed within Marion County, Florida, or entered into this competition. Sculptures must be installed by January 14, 2022 and removed by January 5, 2024. The City of Ocala will provide insurance for a maximum claim of $15,000 during the exhibition. Selected artists must sign a hold harmless agreement and add the city to a general liability insurance policy. The deadline for entries is August 30, 2021. Contact: [email protected] or 352-629-8447.