Call for Sculpture: Art on the River
City of Dubuque (IA)
The City of Dubuque, Iowa is now soliciting sculpture proposals for its 17th Art on the River public art sculpture exhibit, to be held along the Mississippi Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque from August 2023 through July 2024. “Illuminate & Innovate” has been selected by a community planning committee as the theme for the 2023-24 exhibit and is described as follows:
“As the Key City, Dubuque, Iowa is a community that has historically served as a beacon of progress, forward momentum, and a bright tomorrow. Whether innovating in the industries of shot, lumber and lead, moving America by water, wheel or rail, or reflecting deeply to collectively address social issues, the Dubuque community strives to light the way to a future that is sustainable and resilient. Our community of the future is one that is inclusive, equitable, connected, active and vibrant.
With that vision in mind, the City of Dubuque welcomes and encourages submissions for existing and/or proposed 3D public art works that reflect upon and embody the theme and ideas of innovation and illumination. Special consideration may be given for creative works that interact, emanate, or otherwise play with natural or generated light. With this exhibit, we hope to highlight our successes and aspirations as a community and shine a light on the future!”
Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for existing sculptures as well as concept proposals for new sculptural work for this year’s exhibit. Both permanent and semi-permanent/temporary works will be considered.
Up to eleven sculptural works will be selected for the exhibition, to be displayed at the Port of Dubuque from August 2023 to July 2024. There is no fee to apply and artists can submit completed works or those to be fabricated by late July 2023 install dates. Artists may submit up to three works for consideration; a separate application must be completed for each artwork. Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on Friday, April 21, 2023. Access to the online form is on our website. Selected artists receive a $1,800 stipend for each work included in the exhibition. Additional cash prizes of $1,000 for Best in Show and $200 for People’s Choice are also available. Artworks are encouraged to be for sale as special efforts are made to promote purchasing throughout the year. The City coordinates all financial transactions related to sales of artwork and retains a 25 percent commission of the retail price.
Art on the River is part of the Dubuque City Council’s ongoing efforts to foster diverse arts and culture experiences that will improve the social and cultural vibrancy of the community. Since its inception, the program has featured 154 sculptures representing the work of 103 artists at the Port of Dubuque. This 90-acre riverfront campus welcomes 200,000+ visitors each year with features like the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Grand River Center, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Diamond Jo Casino, the historic Dubuque Star Brewery, Dubuque Shot Tower, and the Port of Dubuque Marina. More information is available on our website or by contacting Economic Development Director Jill Connors at jilconno@cityofdubuque.org or Jenni Petersen-Brant at jbrant@cityofdubuque.org or 563.564.5686.