Negative Space: An Exhibition of Unrealized Public Sculpture
Add to calendar
Download .ics (all dates)
-
Entry deadlineJul 10, 2026 · 6:59 AM
-
Show opensAug 28, 2026
-
Show closesSep 26, 2026
Organization:
Detroit Artists Market
Location
Detroit, MI
Entry Fee
Paid Entry
Deadline
July 9, 2026
Exhibition
Aug 28
- Sep 26, 2026
Negative Space: An Exhibition of Unrealized Public Sculpture
How does a public sculpture come to be? Behind every sculpture installed in a public space are countless proposals that were never realized. Artists invest significant time and creative energy developing public art concepts, creating drawings, renderings, maquettes, site plans, and written proposals. Yet, outside of a small jury or limited public review, the creative labor of these unchosen works remains unseen.
"Negative Space" is an exhibition exploring the unrealized possibilities of public art. Through proposal maquettes, renderings and documentation, the exhibition reconstructs a landscape of absence and provides us with an opportunity to experience these works. “Negative Space” asks visitors to consider how public space is shaped not only by what is built, but also by what is refused.
Eligibility
This call is open to artists who have proposed a public sculpture in response to an open call or invitation, and had that work rejected (for any reason).
Only proposals for three-dimensional public sculptures will be considered. Eligible projects may include permanent or temporary sculptures, sculptural installations, environmental sculptures, or site-specific three-dimensional works intended for outdoor public spaces.
Artists may submit:
Proposal renderings
Drawings and schematics
Site plans
Digital visualizations
Maquettes and scale models
Written proposal materials
Other documentation that helps communicate the proposed work
Installation site images
The exhibition is not seeking:
Paintings, murals, graphic design projects, or other two-dimensional public art proposals.
Performance, sound, video, or socially engaged projects without a significant three-dimensional sculptural component.
Existing sculptures that were completed but never exhibited.
General concept sketches that were not developed as public sculpture proposals.
Artists must have developed the proposal for a public art commission, competition, request for qualifications (RFQ), request for proposals (RFP), municipal project, institutional commission, or similar public-facing opportunity.
How does a public sculpture come to be? Behind every sculpture installed in a public space are countless proposals that were never realized. Artists invest significant time and creative energy developing public art concepts, creating drawings, renderings, maquettes, site plans, and written proposals. Yet, outside of a small jury or limited public review, the creative labor of these unchosen works remains unseen.
"Negative Space" is an exhibition exploring the unrealized possibilities of public art. Through proposal maquettes, renderings and documentation, the exhibition reconstructs a landscape of absence and provides us with an opportunity to experience these works. “Negative Space” asks visitors to consider how public space is shaped not only by what is built, but also by what is refused.
Eligibility
This call is open to artists who have proposed a public sculpture in response to an open call or invitation, and had that work rejected (for any reason).
Only proposals for three-dimensional public sculptures will be considered. Eligible projects may include permanent or temporary sculptures, sculptural installations, environmental sculptures, or site-specific three-dimensional works intended for outdoor public spaces.
Artists may submit:
Proposal renderings
Drawings and schematics
Site plans
Digital visualizations
Maquettes and scale models
Written proposal materials
Other documentation that helps communicate the proposed work
Installation site images
The exhibition is not seeking:
Paintings, murals, graphic design projects, or other two-dimensional public art proposals.
Performance, sound, video, or socially engaged projects without a significant three-dimensional sculptural component.
Existing sculptures that were completed but never exhibited.
General concept sketches that were not developed as public sculpture proposals.
Artists must have developed the proposal for a public art commission, competition, request for qualifications (RFQ), request for proposals (RFP), municipal project, institutional commission, or similar public-facing opportunity.