Prospectus

Application Opens: November 15, 2025

Application Ends:  January 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

Exhibition Dates: April 20, 2026* to March 31, 2027 (*Please note, this date is one week earlier than typically scheduled)

Sculpture Walk Springfield is thrilled to welcome the boundless imagination of internationally celebrated artist Janet Echelman as the curatorial voice of our 11th Collection. Her work transforms air, light, and motion into monumental art that invites viewers to see the world differently. Inspired by her belief that creativity can reshape the world, SWS invites artists to join us in:

Taking Imagination Seriously!

Watch Echelman’s “Taking Imagination Seriously” Ted Talk to learn more about how this phrase inspired her own approach to art. 

 

Eligibility: Any artist over the age of 18 is eligible to participate.

Work Eligible: 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.

File naming: lastname_firstname_documenttitle

        • Examples:
          Doe_Jane_application.pdf
          Doe_Jane_artiststatement.pdf

Submit the following (PDF unless noted):

        • SWS Application (form): lastname_firstname_application.pdf
        • Artist Statement: up to 500 words total (may address multiple works) — lastname_firstname_artiststatement.pdf
        • Artist Résumé/CV: lastname_firstname_resume.pdf
        • Mounting Diagram(s): show how each piece anchors to a concrete base or ground; include bolt pattern, base plate size, and center of gravity if applicable — lastname_firstname_mountingdiagram.pdf
        • 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_entrynumber.jpg
            • Example: Doe_Jane_Untitled_1.jpg
            • Detail/alternate: Doe_Jane_Untitled_1_detail1.jpg
          • Optional: brief captions (materials, size, year)

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 – 11th Collection Application

          • 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.

*All submitted works must be available for the entire 11th Collection exhibition cycle: April 20, 2026 to March 31, 2027

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. Artists will also be featured in the Sculpture Walk Springfield brochure, social media, and website, including a dedicated bio and artist statement page.

All participating artists qualify for SWS awards; however, each artist is limited to receiving one award per exhibition cycle.

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:

        • 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

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.

Additional awards or criteria may be added at the discretion of Sculpture Walk Springfield or in partnership with program sponsors.

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.

Download the Application HERE!