Request for Submissions: Library Auditorium Sculpture Acquisition

Submission Deadline: December 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST

Artist Notification: December 19, 2025

Installation Deadline: January 6, 2026

Sculpture Walk Springfield, in partnership with the Springfield–Greene County Library District, invites artists to submit proposals for the purchase and installation of an existing sculpture to be permanently displayed outside the Library Center Auditorium.

Due to the tight project timeline, only completed works will be accepted for consideration. The selected piece will become part of the Library’s permanent art collection and serve as a welcoming landmark for the Auditorium, a venue that hosts lectures, performances, and community events throughout the year.

Location:

The sculpture will be installed outdoors near the Library Center Auditorium entrance, a highly visible area for visitors and event attendees.

Photos and approximate dimensions of the proposed installation zone are included in the attached materials to help artists assess scale and context.

A concrete base will be fabricated and installed by the project team. Artists should include in their proposal recommendations for base dimensions, anchoring needs, and finish preferences to best support their existing work. The base size is adjustable within reasonable limits.

Project Goals:

      • Enhance the Library grounds through a visually engaging, permanent sculpture
      • Reflect the Library’s values of imagination, learning, and community connection
      • Create a work that resonates with diverse audiences and complements the architecture of the site
      • Strengthen Springfield’s cultural landscape through lasting public art
      • Select a sculpture that is durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for an outdoor public environment

Budget:

      • Proposals should feature existing sculptures priced under $15,000.
        • This amount must include the purchase price of the artwork, artist coordination, delivery to Springfield, and any related costs.
      • Sculpture Walk Springfield will oversee site preparation, concrete base fabrication, and final installation in coordination with the selected artist.
      • Final purchase price and installation logistics will be confirmed in coordination with Sculpture Walk Springfield to ensure alignment with the project budget.

Eligibility:

      • Open to professional artists and sculptors based in the United States
      • Only completed, ready-to-install works will be considered
      • Artwork must be durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for outdoor public display
      • Artists must demonstrate experience exhibiting permanent or semi-permanent work

Selection Criteria:

      1. Artistic Merit & Vision: Creativity, quality, and alignment with project goals
      2. Suitability: Scale, materials, and appropriateness for the outdoor site and audience
      3. Durability & Safety: Long-term stability and low-maintenance design
      4. Feasibility: Ability to deliver and install within the project timeline
      5. Community Impact: Contribution to Springfield’s sense of place and identity

Submission Requirements:

Please submit the following materials (PDF format preferred):

      • Artwork Description (max 2 pages): Include title, materials, dimensions, year created, and a short artist statement
      • Images: Up to five (5) sculpture submissions of available works (multiple pieces may be submitted for consideration)
      • Budget & Pricing: Clearly indicate sale price & gallery value and what is included (e.g., delivery, artist presence for installation, etc.)
      • Base Recommendation: Suggested base size, material, and finish
      • Resume/CV: For individual artist(s)
      • Portfolio (optional): Up to three additional works for context

Timeline:

      • Call Opens: October 27, 2025
      • Submission Deadline: December 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST
      • Artist Notification: December 19, 2025
      • Installation Deadline: January 6, 2026

Timeline Note: Due to the condensed project schedule, the selected artist must be prepared to coordinate delivery logistics and installation details immediately following notification.

Submission Instructions:

Email all required materials to: submissions@sculpturewalkspringfield.org
Subject line: Library Auditorium Proposal – [Your Name]