Augusta University Summerville Campus Sculpture on Innovation and Community

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, on behalf of Augusta University, is requesting proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create a unique, durable, low-maintenance, safe-to-touch sculpture for the Augusta University Summerville Campus at 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904. Artists are invited to create a sculpture symbolizing the university's commitment to innovation and community, celebrating the journey of learning and serving as a beacon of knowledge and interconnectedness. The design can include natural elements such as floral references, as it will be placed near a path covered with trees and a nearby camellia garden.

The sculpture must be an original metal or stone work suitable for long-term outdoor installation, structurally sound and durable with little to no maintenance required. It must withstand adverse weather conditions common to the Augusta region, including hot summers, cold winters, humidity, heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms, and occasional snow. The work must be suitable for pedestrian interaction with low exposure to injury—no sharp parts, climbing invitations, or public hazards, especially to children. Dimensions must be 10-15 feet high including base. Selected artists will receive a $15,000 stipend to cover all expenses associated with envisioning, creation, transport, insurance, installation, and any other project-related costs. Installation is scheduled for July-August 2025.

Eligibility is open to professional sculptors and artist teams with all members at least 18 years old and residing in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Artists may apply up to 5 times with separate proposals; each application must be for one individual design. Selection will be based on artist qualifications and experience, proposal clarity and organization, aesthetic appeal of portfolio and proposed sculpture, appropriateness to the project's purpose, visibility at the site, installation plan, feasibility within budget and timeline, and professional references. For in-depth questions about the sculpture, contact Scott Thorp, Chair of the Department of Art and Design at Augusta University, at [email protected].