The Avenue Concept  invites submissions for its 2020 public sculpture exhibition held in Providence, Rhode Island. Artwork will be on view for up to one year, on one of the Avenue Concept’s prominently located sculpture pads, located throughout Downtown Providence.

Prior years have seen international artists as well as artists from New England and all across the country. Due to the high visibility of the artwork, many pieces have been placed in other exhibitions after leaving Providence and some have sold. Thousands of viewers see the artwork daily.

What we are looking for:

This is not a request for a proposal of work. We are looking for contemporary sculpture that already exists, to lease for up to a year. Scale of work can vary from human scale (5’ to 8’) pieces to larger works being around 20 feet tall. 

Eligibility:

Requirements:

• Artwork must be fully completed at the time of application and installation ready. Sketches and proposals will not be considered.

  • “Installation ready” means artwork should require no further labor for installation for things like cleaning of surfaces, patina work or paint touch up, additional fabricated elements. Additional fees if needed may be incurred.

• Artist and artwork must be located within 200 miles of Providence, Rhode Island.

• Artwork appearance should match application images provided.

• Artwork must be built in a durable, stable fashion, able to withstand 4 seasons of outdoor display in New England. That includes extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, high winds, rain, hail and snow. Changes to patina, paint or finish of artwork because of outdoor display in an urban environment are the artists responsibility.

• Artwork will be installed in close proximity to the viewing public, for that reason it must not pose hazards to viewers.

• Artwork must have anchor points within a 6’ x 6’  footprint.

• Artist is responsible for any crating, or skid building required for transportation.

• Artwork must be able to be transported and artist must have a clear understanding of the transportation needs of artwork.

• Artist is responsible for loading artwork on the Avenue Concept trailer, or truck.

• Clearly identify any maintenance needs to be expected during a year long outdoor display of artwork and provide any necessary materials (touch up paint, wax, etc.).  

• Entries must be submitted by  January 19, 2020.

• Artwork selection notifications will be made by:  February 28, 2020

• Artwork pickup and installation will be specific to each selection, but all will occur between  spring and mid summer of 2020.
   

To apply:

Submissions require a  $15 non refundable application fee per artwork submission.
 

• Maximum  3 submissions per artist.

• Artist’s Bio (minimum 3 paragraph max 1 page)

• Artist’s CV

• Artist Statement

• Narrative Description of Sculpture

• Artist’s website and social media tags

• Purchase valuation

• 3 to 5 images of artwork. include size, medium, date of completion, current location of the artwork.

• Signed document stating artist’s ownership of artwork, free of liens or intellectual infringements.

Benefits:

   Lease of artwork for up to 1 year :

• Artists whose work is displayed will receive a payment of  $1500.00.

• The Avenue Concept will transport artwork or coordinate transportation to Providence, RI. Artwork must be within 200 miles of Providence RI.

• The Avenue Concept will install artwork. Large cranes are available. The Avenue Concept will fabricate any match plates for installation purposes. 

• The Avenue Concept will carry liability insurance for transportation and installation of artwork. Artist is responsible for any additional insurance.

• Sculptures selected for exhibition will be located on one of several prominent sculpture pad sites throughout Downtown Providence.

• Daily foot traffic will include thousands of people visiting Providence for cultural events, business, leisure, festivals, restaurants, retail establishments.

• Artworks will have informational plaques installed in proximity to them that will have a brief description of the artwork and artist. The plaques also contain QR codes that viewers can scan to access other media related to the artwork.

• The Avenue Concept prides itself on utilizing top quality documentation of the artwork on display, including professional photography of the work.

• Promotion through the Avenue Concept’s website and social media accounts.

• Artwork will be added to the Avenue Concept’s digital archive.

• Consideration for inclusion in annual public art periodical produced by the Avenue Concept.

• Sculpture will be included in art map of Providence and will be part of walking tours.

• Artist has the option to participate in an engagement event, such as an artist talk, panel discussion, demonstration, performance or other depending on event schedule and artist’s availability/ interest. Lodging and meals provided by the Avenue Concept.

Opportunity for sale of work:

• Unless otherwise indicated by artist, all artwork on display is available for purchase.

• The Avenue Concept requires 30% commission of sale. Artist receives 70% of sale.

• The Avenue Concept will negotiate any sales agreements.

• Any artwork sold must remain on display for the duration of lease agreement and will not be taken down early.

• Sale agreement terms are effective for 1 year after artwork is removed from display, end of lease agreement.

IMPORTANT: This application represents ONE artwork, with 3 to 5 images of the artwork. If you wish to enter additional artworks, checkout and submit the first application, then return to "Apply to Calls" and choose APPLY AGAIN TO THIS CALL. Repeat the process for up to three applications.

Selection process:

• 3 Jurors will review application materials, beginning January 20th, 2020.
• Each Juror will independently score applications.
• Jurors will convene to discuss highest averaged scored artworks and make final selection of artwork.
• Final selection and notifications will be made by February 28th.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria