Organizer Information
The Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) is a municipal body in Roanoke, Virginia, tasked with advising the City Council on the integration of art into the city’s life and landscape. Since its inception, the RAC has spearheaded the City's Public Art program, which is funded through a "Percent for Art" initiative. The commission is dedicated to enhancing the city’s identity by supporting projects that reflect the diverse heritage and creative energy of its citizens. By transforming public spaces with sculptures, murals, and poetry, the RAC aims to foster community pride and make the "Magic City" a more vibrant place to live and visit.
Title & Description
Wasena Bridge Neighborhood Sculpture Open Call
This is an invitation for artists to submit proposals for a temporary sculpture to be installed at a new plaza adjacent to the Wasena Bridge (Main Street Bridge). This landmark project celebrates the reopening of a vital transit link between the Old Southwest and Wasena neighborhoods. The goal of the call is to identify 3D works that embody themes of "bridging," "convergence," and "resilience." The selected sculpture will serve as a welcoming visual anchor for the community as they transition through a newly improved traffic circle and pedestrian area, reflecting the spirit of neighborhood connectivity and the city's commitment to urban renewal.
The Role Overview
- Stipend/Fee: A $7,000 lease amount for a three-year term.
- Contract Type: 3-Year Temporary Public Art Lease.
- Support: The City provides the concrete pad and limited installation assistance.
- Program Type: Municipal Public Art (Lease-to-Purchase potential).
Position & Tasks
The selected artist or team will be responsible for:
- Fabricating or providing an existing 3D sculpture suitable for outdoor display.
- Coordinating and funding the transportation, travel, and physical installation of the piece.
- Ensuring the work is securely anchored to a 6' x 6' concrete pad (capable of supporting 1,500 lbs).
- Managing maintenance or minor repairs during the lease period to ensure the work remains in good condition for public viewing.
- De-installing and removing the work in April 2029 (unless purchased by the city).
Categories
- Visual Art: 3-Dimensional Sculpture (Freestanding).
- Techniques: Metalwork, Stonework, Cast Resins, or other weather-resistant media suitable for high-traffic public environments.
Eligibility
- All artists aged 18 and older.
- Supervised student groups under an instructor.
- Regional and national artists; however, Roanoke-based artists and those with connections to the Old Southwest and Wasena neighborhoods are highly encouraged to apply.
- The committee especially welcomes submissions from women and artists of color.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Award: A stipend of $7,000 for the three-year lease period.
- Publicity: Inclusion in Roanoke’s public art catalog and marketing materials.
- Purchase Opportunity: The City of Roanoke has a history of purchasing temporary works; after a one-year assessment, stakeholders may negotiate the permanent purchase of the sculpture for the site.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist Statement (300 words max): Introduction to your overall practice.
- Project Statement (500 words max): Detailed response to the site and neighborhood context.
- Images: Up to three (3) proposed sculpture images/concepts and images of past related work.
- Technical Illustration: A diagram showing how the work will be anchored to the pad.
- Budget: Anticipated breakdown including travel and materials.
- Professional References: Contact info for two professional references.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Notification Date: 30 January 2026
- Installation Window: May 1 – June 30, 2026
- Lease Period: Summer 2026 – April 2029
Location
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Additional Details
The work must be "family viewing" appropriate and capable of withstanding unmonitored outdoor conditions. Maximum dimensions are 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Anchor bolts must be set at least six inches from the pad edges. While the City does not insure the work, artists are encouraged to self-insure.