Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden 10th Biennial Sculpture Competition

The Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden is seeking an open call for outdoor sculpture for exhibition on the grounds of the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State University, the Grammy Mississippi Museum, and downtown in the city of Cleveland, Mississippi. The competition anticipates selecting fifteen works: ten sculptures at the BPAC, three sculptures downtown, and two sculptures at the Grammy Mississippi Museum.

The call is open to artists and artist teams, age 18 and over, using durable materials suitable for outside elements and change in temperature that requires little to no maintenance during the display period. All types of sculptures are eligible. Preference will be given to artworks with a musical theme at the Grammy Museum and downtown Cleveland. Work will be on exhibition from August 5, 2022 to August 2, 2024, at the end of which time a purchase award will be granted for one sculpture to remain in the sculpture garden as part of the permanent collection.

Artists may submit up to 5 sculptures that will be available for the duration of the competition. Two views of each work should be submitted as high-resolution digital images (minimum 300 dpi, jpeg format). Submissions must include an identification sheet with title, medium, dimensions (h x w x d), footprint dimensions, and purchase price for each work; a statement of long-term upkeep addressing maintenance of surfaces, potential cost, and equipment needed; resume; and artist statement. Selection criteria include strong aesthetic merit and technical qualities (six to fifteen feet in height), appropriateness to site, maintainability and durability, and liability considerations. Each artist exhibiting sculpture will receive a $2,000.00 honorarium per sculpture, which includes transportation, installation, and de-installation. A crane will be available during installation in August; the artist must furnish any additional installation materials and is responsible for anchoring all work.