Elmwood Art Walk: Artist at Work

The City of Roanoke is accepting submissions for freestanding sculpture responding to the theme "Artist at Work." The installation will serve as the culmination of Roanoke's 2022-23 Year of the Artist. The work will be funded through Roanoke's Percent for Art fund and potential grant funding pending successful application. This invitation is extended to all artists 18 and older. Innovative approaches are welcomed, including partnerships between emerging and established artists or between artists and fabricators. Both proposed work and finished pieces will be considered. Regional artists and teams with connections to Roanoke are strongly encouraged to apply, as are women and artists of color.

The Elmwood Park Artwalk includes ten concrete pads, each 6' by 6' and capable of holding up to 1,500 lbs. Work cannot exceed 15' tall or 6' wide and must be anchored with bolts set at least six inches from pad edges. Works must be of a scale and material suitable for outdoor display, designed to withstand an outdoor, high traffic, unmonitored environment, require little or no maintenance for the two-year duration, be original, suitable for family viewing, and be securely anchored. Materials might reflect Roanoke's natural environment, industrial and cultural history, or the knowledge-based activity of the Innovation Corridor. Concepts and finished work must directly respond to the theme, considering the broad array of artistic pursuits, imagery beyond popular notions of the artist, how artists take inspiration from places and people, artist engagement in the world, and how artists shape the community through their work.

Artists chosen to participate will receive a stipend of up to $4,500 per selected artwork. There is no entry fee. Costs associated with transportation, travel, insurance during travel and installation, installation, and removal are the responsibility of the artist. The city will provide pads and installation support as feasible. Completed installation must pass city inspection. Artists whose projects are accepted will be required to sign a loan agreement. Works will not be insured by the city but may be self-insured by the artist. Each artist may submit up to 3 proposed sculptures or concepts. Proposals must include an artist statement (300 words max), a project statement (500 words max), concept or sculpture images (up to 10), an illustration of anchoring method, an anticipated project budget, and contact information for two professional references. Installation is to occur between May 1 and May 15, 2023.