Call Description

The Town of Ashland’s Public Art Commission invites artists to submit existing outdoor sculptures for consideration for the 2026 “Art in Orbit” on-loan sculpture program.

This rotating public art initiative brings dynamic, engaging sculptures to the heart of our community. Selected pieces will be prominently displayed in high-traffic areas, ensuring significant exposure to both residents and visitors. The artwork will be located throughout Ashland’s downtown and locations selected by Town staff. 

PROGRAM DETAILS
Six sculptures will be chosen for our year long, outdoor exhibit that will be installed on April 14th, 2026 and remain for one year.

Stipend & Installation
Each selected artist will be awarded a $1,200 artwork loan contract. The artist is responsible for transportation and required to be onsite for installation of the artwork by the Town of Ashland.

Purchases
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the Public Art Commission may select a work to be purchased for inclusion in the Town of Ashland’s permanent collection. This will be determined in Fall of the exhibition year. A budget of $10,000 has been set aside for this purpose. There will be a “People’s Choice” vote held online and via printed ballots throughout the duration of the exhibition. The winning sculptor will receive a $500 “People’s Choice Prize”. No commission will be taken from artwork sold to private sales, but the Town reserves the first right of refusal.
 

ABOUT THE TOWN OF ASHLAND, VIRGINIA
Incorporated in 1858, the Town of Ashland is a vibrant and spirited community with a rich history and heritage. Ashland is known for its family-friendly charm, and our motto is “Center of the Universe.” Ashland is distinguished by its vibrant and historic downtown, distinct identity as a diverse and welcoming community, and the home of Randolph-Macon College.

Artists interested in participating are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Let your art become part of Ashland’s vibrant cultural landscape!

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
Each piece of art submitted must be at least 4 feet in one dimension (height or width) and fit on one of our concrete bases measuring 4’ x 4’ x 6” tall.

All sculptures must include a baseplate or flanges that allow the artwork to be securely bolted to a concrete base. The artist is responsible for providing and installing all necessary mounting hardware. 

The sculpture must be completed before the submission deadline. For outdoor display only. It is imperative that submissions withstand the elements and abuse of an outdoor display.  No hanging/suspended sculptures. No water features.

INSTALLATIONS

Installations are scheduled for April 14th, 2026. Rain alternate installation dates will be the following week. Under your supervision, and with your assistance, our installation crew will carefully and securely install your artwork to our concrete pedestals. Our staff and crew will work with you to choose the best orientation for public viewing. The artwork is insured by the Town for the time the sculpture is on display but not insured for any damage incurred during installation and/or deinstallation.

The Town of Ashland will provide signage to identify the artwork, be featured on the Town of Ashland’s websites, and included in a comprehensive promotional campaign to include media outreach and special events.

Application Requirements

TO ENTER

• Only one sculpture per application.
• Submit up to 5 photos of one sculpture, on the same application.
• At least one photo with measurements and total weight is required.
• Artists may submit up to 3 applications.

* Multiple sculpture submissions are allowed, but only one sculpture per artist is eligible for acceptance. The six sculptures chosen must represent six different artists. If submitting more than one sculpture, the highest scoring sculpture will be considered.

* Each piece of art submitted must be at least 4 feet in one dimension and able to be securely attached via a metal plate supplied by the Town on concrete bases measuring 4’ x 4’ x 6” tall.

* Installation will be April 14th, 2026. Artist or artist representative must be present to install sculpture. No exceptions will be made. 

*Please do not submit sculptures that will not fit on the aforementioned concrete bases, art installations or sculptures that are committed to another program. 

SELECTION CRITERIA
Entries will be evaluated based on artistic merit, creativity, public safety, and durability in an outdoor setting. The Public Art Commission will jury entries and all artists will be notified of the PAC’s decision once the selection process is complete.

• Entry Deadline: December 17th, 2025
• Public Art Committee will make its selection in January 2026
• Artists Will Be Notified by February 2026
• Installation: April 14th, 2026
• De-Installation: April 5-9th, 2027

Eligibility Criteria

Meet all guidelines as described.