Glory Awaits: Sixteenth Temporary Public Art Exhibition

The City of Blue Springs Public Art Commission invites 3-D artists and artist teams to submit proposals for the "Glory Awaits" themed public art installation, the sixteenth temporary exhibition of public art. Four artists will be selected to provide works for outside installation displayed prominently along major streets with sidewalk access. The exhibition will run from April 1, 2026 to March 1, 2027.

This call is open to all professional artists over the age of eighteen, including emerging artists. All proposed artworks should capture the artist's conception of the energy and spirit of soccer. Artworks should be near life-sized, durable, and weather-resistant, suitable for exterior display in western Missouri's climate. Media can include bronze, stone, wood, metal, ceramic, mosaic, or other suitable materials. Kinetic or interactive art is encouraged but not required. Solar lighting will be provided as part of each installation.

Each selected artist will receive an honorarium of $3,125.00 for the 11-month exhibition. Artists may offer their work for sale, and the PAC reserves the right of first refusal for any artwork purchase. If purchased for permanent collection, the honorarium will be credited toward the purchase price. Artists are responsible for transporting and installing artworks between March 22-26, 2026, and for removing the artwork after the exhibition if not purchased. The PAC will handle site preparation and on-site equipment. Selected artists will be interviewed and videotaped during installation for promotional purposes and invited to attend a dedication event in June 2026. Artworks will be promoted in local and regional publications and featured on the City of Blue Springs website with photographs and location maps.

Applications must include a letter of interest, current resume, 4-6 jpg images of representative work with titles, dimensions, weight, materials, and sale prices, and optionally one video file. Submit through CAFÉ by October 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. An Artist Selection Panel will review submissions and conduct phone interviews with final candidates. Selected artists must enter into a contractual agreement with the City of Blue Springs.