Beyond Walls Public Art Exhibition

Beyond Walls is a celebration of art in public spaces organized by the Cornelius PARC Department and the Cornelius Public Art Committee. Selected works will be installed at Robbins Park (17738 West Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC) from April 2016 through February 2017. The park offers significant visitor traffic and high visibility from a major town road with approximately 22,000 daily trips.

This exhibition is open to freestanding art only; proposals for murals or wall-attached pieces will not be accepted. All materials may be used provided the sculpture is prepared for weather exposure and will not deteriorate during the show duration. The site is located near Lake Norman, so pieces must withstand wind gusts up to 50 mph. The committee seeks pieces of various sizes with preferred dimensions up to 20 feet in width and 12 feet in height. Individual pieces, outdoor art installations, and groupings of smaller pieces are all welcome.

Applicants must submit a resume, bio, and up to 3 images of unique pieces. The entry fee is $25. A panel of town staff, Public Art Committee members, art professionals, curators, and Cornelius citizens will select 10 pieces for exhibition. Selected artists will receive notification by February 8, 2016, and will receive a $1,000 stipend. Artists are responsible for transporting and installing their work at their own expense, though the Town may offer assistance with unloading and installation by appointment. Commercial liability insurance naming the Town of Cornelius as an additional insured is required for the duration of the show. The Best in Show award, selected by the public, includes an additional $1,000 prize. The exhibition opens April 16, 2016, with a ceremony and walking tour with participating artists.