Call for Outdoor Sculpture

Silverwood Park is seeking proposals for outdoor sculpture or site-specific installation to be installed in September 2017. One proposal will be selected and awarded a $5,000 honorarium to support its creation. The juror is Jack Becker. Artists 18 years of age or older who primarily live or work in the Midwest are invited to submit proposals individually or collaboratively.

Proposals will be judged on artistic merit, capability, budget, and impact as evidenced by past work and supporting materials. A panel including Jack Becker and Park District staff members will review proposals and select one project. Ideal proposals will support the mission of Silverwood Park and be site-specific. Proposals are accepted for individual and collaborative works. Artwork may include but is not limited to freestanding sculpture and site-specific installations. Preference is given to site-specific projects. Due to the 2-year duration of installation, seasonal or ephemeral work will not be given priority. Materials used in construction should be appropriate to an outdoor environment and should not negatively impact natural habitat, wildlife, or park guests.

The artist is responsible for all associated expenses related to design, fabrication, transportation, installation, de-installation, and removal. Artists should factor these costs into their $5,000 budget. Work should be installed by September 2017. Costs related to transport and installation will be the responsibility of the artist unless otherwise stipulated. Limited assistance from Silverwood's maintenance department is available on a case-by-case basis at the park's discretion. Silverwood will provide signage, a mobile audio/web stop associated with the work, and basic maintenance of site. The duration of installation is a minimum of 2 years, with work to be continuously displayed during this time. At the end of the duration, the artist retains ownership of the work. Silverwood Park retains responsibility for advertisement of work through listing in a quarterly events calendar and onsite fliers as well as through the Three Rivers Park District website and social media sites.

Application materials must include: resume (2 page max), artist statement (1 page max), proposal (1 page max), budget (1 page max), and 5-10 images of past work with title, materials, size, year completed, and optional description for each image. You will be notified by email of application status by March 1, 2017. An info session will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 6-7 pm. For further information, contact Eileen Cohen at [email protected] or 763-694-2091.