Kent County Maryland: Gateway to Chestertown

The Gateway Committee invites professional artists or artist teams to design and create a permanent, site-specific sculpture along Maryland Route 291 in Kent County. This installation will serve as a gateway into historic Chestertown and reflect the cultural, historical and natural identity of Kent County. The project will result in a welcoming, iconic landmark at the entry point to Chestertown, visible to travelers and enduring for generations.

The sculpture should embody the cultural, historical and natural identity of Kent County; be iconic and welcoming to residents and visitors; use durable, sustainable materials that are low maintenance and ideally sourced from Maryland's natural resources such as fieldstone or iron; be clearly visible at vehicular speeds; and avoid literal or nostalgic historic imagery, instead interpreting the Chesapeake Bay, rivers, landscape and heritage in a modern, enduring way. The site is located on Maryland Route 291 within defined setback areas outside of travel lanes. Supplemental materials including site map, photographs, footprint specifications, height and width guidelines, and setback and safety requirements will be provided to finalists.

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience creating and installing permanent public artwork comparable in scope and scale to this project, at least one completed public or private art commission within the past five years, a demonstrated record of high-quality artistic design, proven experience collaborating with stakeholders and design professionals, and demonstrated ability to complete public art projects within established timelines. Submissions must include a letter of interest with full contact information and online portfolio, artist bio, 5-7 images of past work samples, an image list with details for each work sample (title, year completed, materials, dimensions, budget/cost, and additional comments not to exceed 200 words per entry), and contact information for three professional references. This opportunity is open to U.S.-based professional artists or artist teams with demonstrated experience creating durable, site-responsive public art. Artists from all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply, and artists with ties to Chestertown or Kent County are especially encouraged. Entry deadline: 10/31/25 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Budget: $5,000 allocated for finalist stipends ($1,000 per finalist) and $75,000 for winning submission.