Request for Proposals – SWS 12th Collection
Call Opens: October 15, 2026
Call Closes: November 29, 2026
Artist Notifications: December 18, 2026
Exhibition Dates: April 26, 2027 to March 31, 2028
What We Carry Forward
Curated by Rigoberto Luna
Where do you find yourself in history?
What do you carry forward through materials, techniques, traditions, histories, geographies?
How do you decide what to bring?
Every artist works from somewhere: a lineage of makers, a landscape, a family practice, a material passed from older hands to newer ones. This collection, selected by internationally recognized curator Rigoberto Luna, invites sculptors to consider where they stand in history and what they choose to carry forward.
Eligibility:
Any artist over the age of 18 is eligible to participate.
Work Eligibility:
Up to five entries per artist may be submitted for consideration. All work must be original, ready for display, and constructed of durable materials suitable for year-round outdoor installation. Works should be designed to withstand weather, sun exposure, and public interaction. All sculptures must be structurally sound, safe, and able to be securely mounted to a concrete base using anchor bolts.
Artists are encouraged to consider scale, visibility, and placement in an urban environment. All work must be available for purchase by public and private entities for the duration of the exhibition.
Application Materials:
To ensure your submission is complete and reviewed without delay, please include all of the following materials. Incomplete applications or improperly labeled files may not be considered.
Submit the following (PDF unless noted)
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- SWS Application (form): lastname_firstname_application.pdf
- Artist Statement: up to 500 words total (may address multiple works)
- Artist Résumé/CV
- Mounting Diagram(s): show how each piece anchors to a concrete base or ground; include bolt pattern, base plate size, and center of gravity.
- Images (JPG) — 1–3 per work
- Specs: high-quality JPG, min 2000 px on long side, standard quality (no need for 720 dpi)
- Naming: lastname_firstname_title.jpg
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Proof-of-concept/renderings (optional): If submitting a model or rendering to show a concept, label clearly in the application that the final work will be provided/available before installation. Concepts must reflect realistic materials, scale, and mounting.
Submission method:
Email all materials to submissions@sculpturewalkspringfield.org
Subject line: LastName, FirstName – 12th Collection Application
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- If your total attachment size exceeds 25 MB, send a single cloud link (Google Drive/Dropbox) with view permissions enabled. Combine files into one folder or a ZIP file.
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*All submitted works must be available for the entire 12th Collection exhibition cycle.
Submission Selection:
Selections will be made based on the digital materials submitted to submissions@sculpturewalkspringfield.org. All images and documents should accurately represent the artwork proposed. Applications must be complete and received by the stated deadline to be considered.
Sculpture Walk Springfield will regard all accepted submissions as final. However, the program reserves the right to withhold from exhibition any artwork that differs substantially from the materials reviewed by the selection committee or that is deemed unsafe or unsuitable for public display.
Insurance/Liability/Ownership:
Sculptures selected for Sculpture Walk Springfield will be on loan to the program for one year and displayed to the public for approximately eleven months. Ownership of the artwork will remain with the artist.
SWS provides insurance coverage for the duration of the exhibition. Upon selection, artists will receive a packet including a loan agreement with the City of Springfield outlining all terms and responsibilities related to the display.
Selected Artists:
Selected artists will receive a $2,000 stipend, paid in two installments (at installation and de-installation), along with one complimentary hotel night during installation week.
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- Artists will be featured in the Sculpture Walk Springfield brochure, social media, and website, including a dedicated sculpture statement page.
- All participating artists qualify for SWS awards; however, each artist is limited to receiving one award per exhibition cycle.
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Sales:
All artwork sales made through Sculpture Walk Springfield are subject to a 25% commission, which supports program operations and administration. If a gallery or agent represents an artist, any additional commissions or agreements are solely between the artist and their representative.
Awards:
Sculpture Walk Springfield is proud to recognize artistic excellence through three annual awards presented at the close of each exhibition cycle:
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- The Schneider Family People’s Choice Award $1,000: Chosen by public vote, this award celebrates the sculpture that captures the imagination of our community and visitors alike.
- The SWS Board Selection Award $500: Selected by members of the Sculpture Walk Springfield Board of Directors, this award honors exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, or impact as identified by our leadership.
- The Curator’s Choice Award $500: Selected by the guest curator, this award recognizes a work that best embodies the vision and spirit of the collection. Criteria for this award may vary based on selection
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Award recipients will be announced at the annual Artist & Donor Brunch, and prize funds will be distributed via check no later than May 15. Attendance is not required to receive an award.
Agreement:
Artists selected to participate will receive a loan agreement between Sculpture Walk Springfield and the City of Springfield. Artists must review, sign, and return this agreement within ten (10) calendar days of receipt. Submission of the signed agreement confirms acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined therein.
Questions?
Direct all questions to Bridget Bechtel at bridget@sculpturewalkspringfield.org.