ABOUT THE EL PASEO SCULPTURE EXHIBITION:

El Paseo is the premier shopping district in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley, located in southern California. The exhibition space consists of eighteen lighted concrete pads located in the median of a prime retail corridor. The artwork will remain on exhibition for approximately two (2) years, with installation tentatively planned for October - November 2024 and de-installation planned for October 2026.

DEADLINE:

Monday, February 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

HONORARIUM:

A $5,000 honorarium will be provided for each selected artwork. Participant is responsible for delivery and pick-up of artwork per scheduled date. Payment schedule is as follows: $4,000 on delivery and $1,000 at pick-up.

GUIDELINES:

• All sculptures MUST fit on one (1) of the existing concrete pads. Seventeen (17) pads measure 84” x 84” (7’ x 7’) with a usable corner-to-corner space of 67” x 67”. A horizontal base could use the maximum 84” length of the base if its width is within the 67” dimension. One pad measures 96” x 300” (8’ x 25’), and could accommodate multiple pieces or one (1) with a much larger base.
• Sculptures should be no less than 8’ and no more than 10’ in height on their own inclusive of a base.  Additionally, there are a few pads that can accommodate sculptures up to 13’.
• Sculptures should weigh no more than 3,000 pounds.
• Sculptures should be suitable for viewing from all angles.
• All sculptures MUST be designed with tabs or other devices that can be utilized to easily secure the artwork to the concrete pads. Pads may not be altered in any way to accommodate the artwork.
• Artworks requiring electricity are welcome.
• Artworks must be constructed of durable materials that are able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the desert (high winds and extreme temperatures).
• Sculptures must comply with all appropriate engineering requirements.
• Artist or artist’s representative must be available to deliver the artwork in person the day of installation. The City will not store shipped artwork prior to installation.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE (subject to change):

• February 12, 2024: Applications due by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
• March 13, 2024: Selections made by the Cultural Arts Committee – eighteen (18) sculptures, plus up to eight (8) alternates
• April 25, 2024: City Council review and approval of selections
• April 29 – May 3, 2024: Selected artists notified
• October – November 2024: Tentative dates for exhibition installation
• January 2025: Exhibition dedication (date to be determined)
• October 2026: De-installation of exhibition

Application Requirements

Required materials include:

• A current resume or CV, including current contact information.
• Up to five (5) images of proposed sculpture in jpeg format.
• Description of the proposed sculpture including materials and dimensions.
• Three (3) references.

NOTE: A maximum of two (2) sculptures will be considered per artist.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY:

All artists, galleries, museums/non-profit arts organizations, and private collectors are encouraged to apply. Limited to USA, Canada and Mexico.