Phinizy Center for Water Sciences Welcome Sculpture Call

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, on behalf of the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences, is requesting proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create a unique, durable, low-maintenance, meaningful, and beautiful sculpture to be placed at the entrance to the Phinizy Center's main visitor parking area. The sculpture is intended to last for 50 years minimum in good condition with minimal maintenance, and should incorporate and interpret the themes of Water, Water-conservation, Ecosystem Balance, and/or the emblem of the Phinizy Center: the Dragonfly.

The proposed location is the most prominent point where visitors enter the parking area (GIS coordinates: 33.384752, -81.967424). Site improvements will include a low brick barrier around the sculpture site and landscaping with native grasses and greenery. The Phinizy staff will coordinate landscaping plans with the selected artist. Selected artists will receive a stipend of $14,500 to cover all expenses associated with envisioning, creation, transport, and installation of the sculpture. Installation is scheduled for Spring 2022.

The sculpture must be an original work in any media suitable for long-term outdoor installation. It must be structurally sound, durable, require little to no maintenance beyond routine cleaning, and be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions including hot summers, cold winters, humidity, heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms, and occasional snow. The work must be suitable for pedestrian interaction with low exposure to injury and must not include sharp or easily climbable parts. Dimensional requirements: 5 feet minimum and 10 feet maximum height, width, or depth. Artists may apply up to 5 times with separate proposals; each application must be for one individual design.

Eligibility is open to professional sculptors and artist teams residing in the Southeast region of the United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Proof of residency is required. All team members must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the United States. Phinizy Center employees are not eligible. Applications must include artist resume, images of past work with descriptions, images of the proposed sculpture with description and installation plan, and proof of residency. Minimum 3 images, maximum 10 images required.