Call Description

The City of Palm Desert invites artists to be part of one of Southern California’s most celebrated public art showcases — the El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition. Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, El Paseo is a vibrant destination known for its blend of art, culture, fine dining, and luxury shopping. This biennial exhibition transforms the center median of El Paseo into an outdoor gallery featuring eighteen large-scale sculptures by distinguished and emerging artists from across the nation.

Selected works will be on display for two years, viewed by thousands of residents and visitors who stroll, shop, and attend events throughout the district year-round. Artists receive a $6,000 honorarium and benefit from professional installation, lighting, insurance, and citywide promotion through print, digital, and regional media. The City provides dedicated exhibition signage and a virtual tour, ensuring strong visibility and lasting exposure for each participating artist.

Palm Desert’s long-standing commitment to public art and creative placemaking has made the El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity. This is a unique opportunity to share your work in a high-profile setting that connects art with community, inspires dialogue, and enhances the public realm.

The exhibition is open to all U.S.-based artists, galleries, museums, and nonprofit arts organizations. Sculptures must be original, suitable for outdoor display, and able to withstand the desert’s environmental conditions.

Location: El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 - between Highway 74 and Portola Avenue.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Current résumé or CV outlining relevant experience and exhibition history.
• Up to five (5) JPEG images of the proposed sculpture.
• Description of the proposed sculpture, including title, materials, dimensions, and any special installation details.
• Three (3) professional references, including name, organization, and contact information.

Pad and Sculpture Specifications

• Pad Dimensions:

Seventeen (17) pads measure 8' × 8' with a usable footprint of 7' × 7'.

One (1) pad (Pad 16) measures 8' × 25', suited for larger or multi-part works.

• Height:
  Sculptures, including their base or pedestal, must have a minimum height of 8 feet and a maximum height of 13 feet.
   
• Weight:
  The maximum allowable weight is 3,000 pounds.
   
• Viewing Requirements:
  All sculptures must be designed for in-the-round viewing, accessible from all sides within the median setting.
   
• Anchoring:
  Works must be securely anchored using tabs or other non-invasive methods. Concrete pads may not be altered, or otherwise modified.
   
• Materials:
  Sculptures must be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for long-term outdoor display in desert conditions, including high winds, intense sun, and extreme temperatures.
   
• Electrical Power:
  Only Pad 16 includes access to an electrical source. Proposals requiring power must include detailed specifications and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   
• Delivery and Installation:
  Artists (or their designated representatives) must be present on-site for both installation and de-installation. Works must arrive fully assembled or require minimal on-site assembly to ensure safe, efficient installation.
   
• Safety:
  Sculptures must be structurally sound and pose no risk to the public. The City reserves the right to exclude works that are unsafe, unstable, or unsuitable for the exhibition environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all U.S.-based artists, galleries, museums, and nonprofit arts organizations.
International submissions will not be accepted due to logistical constraints.