Matthews-Sanders 8th Biennial Sculpture Competition

The Matthews-Sanders Sculpture Garden in Cleveland, Mississippi, 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. The call anticipates selecting eighteen works: ten sculptures at the BPAC, five sculptures downtown, and three sculptures at the Grammy Mississippi Museum.

The call is open to all 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. Sculptures of all types are welcome, with preference given to artworks with a musical theme at the Grammy Museum and downtown Cleveland. Work will be on exhibition from August 1, 2019 to August 6, 2021, 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. Each artist exhibiting sculpture will receive a $2,000.00 honorarium, which includes the transportation, installation, and de-installation of one to three pieces.

Submissions must include up to nine high-resolution digital images (minimum 300 dpi, jpeg format) with two views of each work, an identification sheet providing title, medium, dimensions (h x w x d), footprint dimensions, purchase price, and a statement of long-term upkeep addressing maintenance of surfaces, potential cost, and equipment needed. A resume and artist statement are also required. Selection criteria include strong aesthetic merit and technical qualities (six to fifteen feet in height), appropriateness to site, maintainability and durability, and liability considerations. The selection panel will be composed of art professionals from the Southeast. Notification of selections will be June 9, with installation August 1/2 and de-installation August 1.