The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is accepting applications for this year’s Sculptor’s Showcase, which will display eight works of art in three public parks around the city. The city has been sponsoring the showcase since 2021, and this year will be the first time the selected sculptures will be on display for two years, instead of one.
The showcase will place four sculptures in Riverfront Crossing Park, two in Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, one in Mercer Park and one in Scott Park.
It’s not just the display time that has increased this year. The honorarium paid to the artist has been raised from $1,500 to $2,250. The sculptures will be on display from Aug. 7 through July 2025.
“Submissions will be evaluated on artistic merit, creativity, public safety, appropriateness to its location, and durability in the outdoors,” according to PAAC. “Work must be able to be securely installed on a 4’ x 4’ cement pad, be well-constructed and of the highest-quality design, and be able to withstand adverse weather conditions (high winds, rain, heat, snow and freezing temperatures) and an unsupervised general audience. Unstable, fragile, dangerous, inappropriate or small, lightweight works will not be accepted.”
Artists may submit up to three sculptures. The online application can be found on the city’s site. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Selected artists will be notified during the second week of June.
Artists will be able to sell their sculptures, although the art must remain in place for the duration of the showcase. “During the course of the year, efforts will be made to promote the Iowa City Sculptor’s Showcase and encourage purchase of the sculptures,” PAAC said.
A plaque will be installed next to each sculpture with its title, the artist’s name and a QR code for the artist’s website and contact information. The plaque will note if the work is available for purchase.
More information about 2024-2026 Iowa City Sculptor’s Showcase is available on the city’s Public Art Program page. Anyone with further questions should contact Rachel Kilburg Varley in the Economic Development Division via email or by calling 319-356-5248.
