Call Description

Calling all sculptors! Submit your large-scale 3D artwork to the 2026 Olathe Outdoor Sculpture Series. Selected artists receive a $2,500 honorarium for a one-year lease, and the chance to be part of a celebrated tradition since 2004. Formerly centered downtown, this juried exhibit now spans the city, transforming public spaces and connecting our community through art. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work in a vibrant and growing city!

We encourage submissions of colorful, interactive, or whimsical sculptures. While not all pieces need to fit this description, the exhibit includes a mix of sculpture sites located in both business settings and park areas, including a pedestal at a destination playground. A total of 7–9 sculptures will be selected for the exhibit, juried by the Public Art Committee. In addition, a sculpture may be selected by a local sponsor to be displayed in front of their business.

Important Dates

• December 30, 2025 - Entries must be received
• February 25, 2026 - Notice of selections sent to artists
• May 29, 2026 - Art delivery deadline
• June 1, 2026 - Exhibition opens
• May 1, 2027 - 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
  • Sculptures must be completely fabricated before submission. Please submit photographs of finished work. Concept proposals will not be considered. 

Large, colorful, and/or interactive pieces are encouraged! 

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

 Entry Process 
• Submit up to three separate applications (one per sculpture). Upload at least two images per application to show multiple views of the same sculpture. 
• An entry fee of $10 is required for the initial application. There is no charge for second and third applications by the same artist. 

 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 29, 2026. 
• Artists must reclaim their sculpture by May 1, 2027. 

The 2026 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 Committee. 

Application Requirements

You must submit an application through Cafe. You may submit up to three applications. 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.