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Call to Artists

2023 Call for Artists

2023 Call for Artists Details:

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour: May 29, 2023 – April 2024.
Entry Deadline: October 14, 2022 by 5:00 P.M.

2023 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is currently seeking artists for our 13th annual walk.
The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is an exciting exhibition of outdoor sculpture displayed in the heart of downtown Mankato and North Mankato. Each year the CityArt sculpture exhibition draws thousands of community members and visitors to explore the wonderful art, making the Greater Mankato arts community well regarded around the state. Founded in 2011, the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour program will celebrate its 13th Sculpture Walk in 2023!

The sculpture tour is a collaborative program between Twin Rivers (TR), Greater Mankato’s arts commission, and the City Center Partnership (CCP), a downtown development organization representing Mankato and North Mankato. Both organizations are committed to creating a vibrant community through arts and culture programming.

Since its inception in 2011, CityArt has added 25 sculptures to the city’s permanent public art collection and sold many sculptures to private businesses and individuals. Additionally, multiple artists have received commissions because of the exposure received from the program.

CityArt is a member of the Partner Network, a sculpture exchange program based out of Sioux Falls, SD. Artists must apply separately if they would like to be a part of the Partner Network. For more information on the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, visit CityArtMankato.

What Sets CityArt Apart?
The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is managed by the CityArt Committee and is supported by full time staff from both TR and the CCP ensuring there is timely and clear communication between the program and the artists.  The staff work year-round promoting the sculpture walk and the artists to facilitate sales and make Greater Mankato an arts destination.

Teams of volunteers give of their time for take-down and installation making the process smooth and efficient. There is a strong partnership between the CityArt program and the cities of Mankato and North Mankato. Each city provides staff and needed equipment to assist our teams during take-down and install. As an artist, you can rest assured that your sculpture will be well managed and taken care of.

The CityArt installation weekend is full of fun, artistic events to make our artists feel welcomed by the community and appreciated for sharing their talents with us.

How It Works
The 2023 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour will include approximately 30 sculptures in the core blocks of Mankato and North Mankato, MN. CityArt obtains sculptures on loan from selected artists and provides each artist $1,000 stipend per sculpture.  The sculptures are displayed for about one year (May to April).

Artist Stipend
$1,000 per sculpture

Shipping Reimbursement: Artists will receive up to $250 in shipping reimbursement if their sculpture is not sold and needs to be shipped back to them at the end of the tour. Anything over and above this amount is paid by the artist.

Juror’s Choice Award
The Juror’s Choice sculpture (the sculpture selected by the CityArt Committee Jury) is purchased by the CityArt program (up to $18,000) for permanent installation in the City Center.

People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice sculpture (the sculpture with the most votes from the public) receives a $1,000 cash prize.

Awards
Best of Show Bronze – $1,000
Best of Show Other Material – $1,000
People’s Choice – $1,000

Accommodations and Reception
Artists will be provided a two-night hotel stay during installation weekend in May. We anticipate an artists’ welcome/reception dinner Friday evening May 19, 2023.

Sculpture Selection
Entries will be critiqued on artistic merit, creativity, public safety, and durability in an outdoor, cold weather climate. The CityArt Committee made up of representatives from TR, CCP, the cities of Mankato and North Mankato and local business and art leaders, lead the selection process. All artists will be notified by November 15, 2022.

Artist Call for Entries
CityArt is open to professional and amateur artists of all backgrounds. Artists may submit up to three (3) of their own original sculptures (in concept, composition, or execution). The total entry fee is $35.00. We welcome all sculptures and asking prices.

 

This year’s application will be moving to an online only format. If you have questions
or would like to fill out the application via a phone call, please contact Danica Dick.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE FORM

 

ONLINE PAYMENT OPTION

 

Or make checks payable to

CityArt – 424 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato MN, 56001

 

Other Information

  • All sculptures need to be in like-new condition when delivered to the CityArt program. We highly recommend that bronze be sealed and steel be repainted.
  • The bases have a stainless steel plate that some sculptures are welded to. If your sculpture is made from a metal that is not compatible with stainless steel, you need to attach a steel plate or steel welding tabs to the bottom of your sculpture to ensure the weld will hold.
  • CityArt provides liability and Inland Marine (collision and comprehensive) insurance coverage on all sculptures while on display.
  • CityArt provides installation and volunteer support during installation weekend in May and during take down in April.
  • CityArt receives 25% commission on sculptures sold and on any commissioned sculpture.
  • If a selected artist declines to include his/her work in CityArt, an alternative artist will be selected.

Timeline
August 22, Call published on TwinRivers and CityArt Website, and to MNArtists
October 14, 2022 Entry deadline
November 15, 2022 Selected artists are notified by phone.
May 8, 2023 Deadline for sculptures being shipped to Mankato
May 19, 2023 Artist Reception
May 20, 2023 Mankato sculpture delivery, installation
(No later than) November 15, 2023 Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards
announcement

For more information contact
Danica Dick – Arts Coordinator
507-508-7165 / officemanager@twinriversarts.org

  • Walking Sculpture Tour
  • Public Art
  • Silo Art