The City of Olathe is seeking large-scale, three-dimensional sculpture entries for our 2023 Downtown Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit. The City of Olathe's Downtown Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, a juried sculpture competition, has annually brought a rotating display of sculpture from regional and national artists since 2004. The goal of the program is to activate Olathe's original town core area, connect people to the community, and celebrate the community’s love for the arts. 

Important Dates
January 2, 2023 - Entries must be received
March 1, 2023 - Notice of selections sent to artists
May 30, 2023 - Art delivery deadline
June 1, 2023 - Exhibition opens
May 1, 2024 - Exhibition closes

Awards 
Artists will receive a $2,500 honorarium for each work selected for a one-year lease. 

Criteria & Specifications
• Sculptures must be suitable for long-term outdoor display.
• Sculptures should be as vandal proof as possible and safe to the public. 
• The sculpture must be considerable in scale as many sites are viewed from a distance. 
• The durability and size of the piece will be a consideration for selection. 
• Sculptures must be capable of being properly secured to the ground or concrete.
• Local artists are encouraged to submit.

Preference will be given to works that have not been submitted to Olathe in the past 3 years. 

Eligibility 
Open to all artists 18 years of age and older. All entries must be original work.

 Entry Process 
• Complete one application. You may submit up to 3 sculptures for consideration. Please include at least 2 images of each sculpture. Please label images clearly with the sculpture name. 
• An entry fee of $10 is required. 

 Delivery and Return of Selected Artwork 
• Artists are responsible for the delivery/return of sculptures and all associated costs. 
• Sculptures may be shipped to the City at the artists’ expense. 
• Sculptures must be delivered Monday-Friday between 9 am-3 pm no later than May 30, 2023. 
• Artists must reclaim their sculpture by May 1, 2024. 

The 2023 Exhibit will be juried by an Art Selection Panel comprised of Olathe Public Art Committee members and City of Olathe staff. Learn more about the members of the Olathe Public Art Committe. 

Application Requirements

You must submit an application through Cafe. You may submit up to three sculptures on one application. Please label images clearly with the sculpture name. 

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists 18 years of age and older. All entries must be original work.