The City of Dubuque, IA is seeking artist applications for the 15th annual Art on the River sculpture exhibit along the Mississippi Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque.

BUDGET: $1,500 stipend plus chance to compete for $1,000 Best of Show and $200 People’s Choice awards; lodging provided for opening event

ELIGIBILITY: U.S.-based artists

DEADLINE: May 1, 2020

Project Description

Each year up to 10 sculptures are chosen for exhibit at highly visible locations along the picturesque Mississippi Riverwalk. A juror will review all applications submitted and make recommendations to the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission which advises City Council on the final selections. Chosen artists will be notified in early June and will be required to sign a contract agreeing to the terms of the program; an Example Artist Agreement Form is available for download and review.

Theme

“Resilient Earth” has been selected as the theme for the 2020-21 exhibit, in conjunction with nationwide celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and statewide programming inspired by the 100th anniversary of the State of Iowa parks system.

Artwork Details

Existing sculptures, as well as concept proposals for new sculptural work, are encouraged. Both permanent and temporal/semi-permanent works will be considered. Successful applications will propose sculptures that draw connections between the arts and earth sciences; speak to conservation, sustainability efforts, or environmental stewardship; highlight the natural beauty of the Mississippi River; or speak to the resiliency of the natural world, especially the Mississippi River.

Project Timeline

• Friday, May 1, 2020 – Application due by 11:59 p.m. CST
• Week of June 8, 2020 – Notification of selected artists, contracts awarded
• July 27-August 6, 2020- Delivery and installation of sculptures
• August 7, 2020 – Grand Opening Reception
• July 2021 – Removal of Work

Installation/Removal

Selected artists will be responsible for delivering, installing and removing his/her work of art, working closely with City of Dubuque staff. City of Dubuque can provide installation assistance in the form of man power and some onsite transportation or moving equipment; detail your needs when asked in the application form.

• Works must be installed between July 27-August 6, 2020 in advance of the Grand Opening reception on Friday, August 7, 2020.
• Deinstall must take place between July 19-24, 2021. Early pick-up of the work is not permitted.

Insurance

The City shall maintain insurance coverage on the work while on display at Art on the River for vandalism, theft, or damage. Insurance coverage is not provided on any works of art while in transit to or from Art on the River.

Sales

Artworks are encouraged to be for sale and will remain on display for the time frame noted in the Artist Agreement Form. The City of Dubuque will coordinate all financial transactions relating to the sales of artwork. During the course of the year, special efforts will be made to promote the impact of public art to  encourage purchase the sculptures. The City will receive 25% of the sale price of any sculptures sold during or as a result of the show, with proceeds supporting the long-term funding for the Art on the River program. Any unsold artwork must be removed by the artist at the end of the exhibition period.

What to Submit

1. Artist’s bio and resume/CV
2. Brief statement or explanation of the proposed sculpture and other information related to the materials, installation needs, and potential siting.
3. Photos or renderings of multiple views of the proposed sculpture (with maximum of five images)
4. 2 Professional references

How to Submit

Submit online here.

QUESTIONS? Contact Jenni Petersen-Brant, Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator, 563.690.6059 or jbrant@cityofdubuque.org