Call for Sculpture - Creative Sparks 2021

Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission in partnership with Artistry seeks proposals for permanent or temporary sculptures to be displayed in Bloomington's South Loop district at Bloomington Central Station Park (for temporary or permanent sculptures) or River Ridge Park (for temporary sculptures). Selected sculptures will be included in the South Loop Guidebook within the Otocast Audio Guide App.

The selected sculptures should bring beauty, delight, interest, and a sense of whimsy to the area and will be enjoyed by South Loop residents, workers, and visitors. Sculptures will be engaging, create interest, and foster a more pedestrian-centric environment while helping drive economic and development advancements by making the area more attractive, welcoming, and dynamic.

Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older and residents of Minnesota, with preference given to Bloomington and South Loop residents and those who work in the South Loop. Sculptures may be created specifically for this call or may be existing. The Creative Sparks Review Panel will select 3-5 sculptures with compensation budgets of up to $5,000 for temporary sculptures or up to $12,000 for permanent sculptures. The budget must include the sculpture's installation, including pouring concrete for the platform and/or anchoring a base as required by a licensed engineer, as well as transportation, equipment, and any other expenses associated with creation and installation. Applicants must submit an artist statement (3,000 characters or less) describing the proposed sculpture concept, inspirational or symbolic aspects, anchoring method, and all-inclusive budget. One design per applicant must be submitted as a JPEG image (1,200 pixels or more on the longest side, 72 ppi/dpi resolution, under 5 MB file size). Selected applicants will be announced by May 3, 2021, with sculptures installed between June 1 and September 30, 2021. Recipients will receive a stipend and must complete a Final Report following project conclusion.