Call for Art: Outdoor Public Art Sculptures - Frankfort Sculpture Trail

The Josephine Sculpture Park and FrankArts are seeking contemporary public artworks for a 2-year outdoor exhibition in public spaces throughout downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. Up to 15 sculptures will be selected and displayed as part of the Frankfort Sculpture Trail, a collaboration between FrankArts, Josephine Sculpture Park, the City of Frankfort, and Frankfort Tourism Commission. The exhibition will highlight over 25 sculptures, including pieces from private and permanent collections.

Artwork should be physically and thematically suitable for exhibition in public spaces, including city sidewalks, parks, and walking trails. There is no specific theme, but proposals showing creativity and broad appeal to the general public are encouraged. Artists are invited to submit whimsical, kinetic, eye-catching, sound-making, and/or physically interactive works. Sculptures must be a minimum of 4 feet in at least one direction and no taller than 20 feet. All art must be suitable for hands-on outdoor exhibition, maintenance-free for two years, and properly anchored to withstand adverse weather. Works must be ready for installation by December 2021 and will remain on exhibit through October 2023.

Eligibility is open to artists 18 and over. Proposals can be new or existing work created within the past 3 years. Artists working in various materials including stone, metal, wood, concrete, found objects, natural materials, plastics, fiberglass, light, and sound are encouraged to apply. Selected artists will receive an artist stipend of up to $2,000 per sculpture ($1,000 upon delivery and $1,000 upon removal), plus reimbursement for up to $500 in shipping/delivery expenses. Artists are encouraged to sell their sculptures during the exhibition; the Josephine Sculpture Park will handle sales and retain a 30% commission. Prizes will be awarded in Fall 2022: $1,000 Best of Show and $500 People's Choice Award. Participating sculptures will receive widespread marketing including print brochures, online websites, and social media. A certificate of general liability insurance is required for all selected artists.