8th Biennial Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition

The City of Ocala Cultural Arts invites artists to submit existing sculptures for the 8th Biennial Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. This outdoor exhibition offers established and emerging sculptors an opportunity to display their work at Tuscawilla Park and Art Park in Ocala, Florida. Up to ten works will be selected for display from January 2026 to January 2028. Selected artists will receive a $4,000 honorarium to help offset transportation and installation costs.

The selected sculptures will be displayed in Tuscawilla Park, a 45-acre park considered the "crown jewel" of Ocala's parks, and the adjacent Tuscawilla Art Park, bridging Ocala's downtown and midtown areas. The Tuscawilla Sculpture Stroll will celebrate the newly installed works on Saturday, February 21, 2026. An awards jury will select Best in Show ($2,000), Second Place ($1,000), and Honorable Mention ($500). Attendees will also vote for their favorite work and grant the People's Choice Award of $1,000.

Artists may submit up to three sculptures for consideration. A minimum of three high-quality images (180 dpi) and a maximum of twenty are required, along with artist resume, artist statement, and documentation of submitted work including title, date of creation, medium, dimensions, weight, and value. Work must be fully completed, structurally sound, able to withstand outdoor conditions and Ocala's subtropical climate for two years, maintenance-free, completed within the last five years, and not previously displayed in this competition. Work must be delivered and retrieved in person by the artist or representative and firmly secured to provided concrete pads. Applicants must be United States residents (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) with experience designing, fabricating, and installing large outdoor public art, at least 18 years of age, and must contract with the City of Ocala. Liability insurance or a waiver with the City of Ocala is required. The City of Ocala will provide insurance for work up to its stated value or $15,000, whichever is less. Sales of work are encouraged during the display period, with the City of Ocala retaining 30% commission. All sculptures must remain on site for the entirety of the two-year exhibition duration. Application deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Notification of acceptance: Monday, October 13, 2025. Installation: January 12–21, 2026. Deinstallation: January 31–February 4, 2028.