2027 Chicago Sculpture Exhibit Call for Artists

It’s the 26th year of Chicago Sculpture Exhibit! We’re continuing our mission to encourage public encounters with art while going about daily lives. Professional 3-D artists are invited to create and install sculptures at identified public sites. A $2,000 honorarium will be awarded for each selected work – half paid at contract signing and balance at installation. Artwork will remain on display for one calendar year. At least 40 sculptures will be included in the 2027-28 Exhibition.

Work Must Meet the Following Criteria

— be made of the highest quality materials that hold up to sometimes harsh weather conditions including heat, rain and wind;

— be of the highest quality construction and appropriate in an urban setting;

— be original works of art created by the artist or fabricated under their direct supervision;

— demonstrate structural soundness, safety and stability for an unsupervised general audience;

— be guaranteed against defects and deterioration;

— fit into a dense, urban setting.  Large-scale sculptures are requested.

— artist can provide general liability insurance for the work

Timeline (approximate)

• November 20, 2026: Deadline for submission
• December 2026: Jury meets
• End of 2026: Notification of selection: all artists will be notified by email
• April-May 2027: Remove existing artworks
• May 2027: Installation of artworks
• May 2028: Exhibition closes

Eligibility

Chicago Sculpture Exhibit is open to all experienced professional sculptors.

*Artists may submit up to two works for consideration.

Installation Sites

Each selected artwork will be assigned to an installation site based on size, shape and appropriateness. Sites are scattered throughout the Chicago area. Artists are responsible for the delivery, installation and removal of the artwork. CSE will provide limited assistance at the site during the installation and removal. Artists are responsible for providing general liability insurance.

*Artwork not ready for installation at scheduled time will not be accepted.

Review Process

The Jury is made up of a committee representing community interests and invited art professionals.

Application ProcessTo be considered for the 2027-28 Chicago Sculpture Exhibit, artists must submit:

— Completed online entry form

— A CV/exhibition history

— A short biography

— A one-page artist statement

— Digital images that best represent your work. Images should be clearly identified by artist name and title of work. Images will be uploaded within the application. Image files should be in JPEG format and no larger than 2MB. Note: PDFs are not acceptable for viewing by jury.

Chicago Sculpture Exhibit is a private, not-for-profit organization that partners with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District. Partners also include private businesses, cultural institutions, neighborhood organizations, individuals and chambers of commerce.

Applications are accepted through November 20, 2026.