Dumke Arts Plaza call for temporary outdoor public art

Weber State University (WSU), in partnership with Ogden city, seeks proposals for temporary outdoor public art for Dumke Arts Plaza in Ogden, Utah.

Proposals sought for temporary, 6-month loan of artwork to Weber State University/Ogden city. 

Dumke Arts Plaza is part of a lively downtown arts area called the Nine Rails Creative District, a revitalized historical neighborhood with galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops. It is an attraction for thousands of locals and tourists. The inaugural 2021 installation featured sculptures by Chakaia Booker. 

Dumke Arts Plaza is a public square with two large and two small sculpture pads and a 9 x 5 ft. LED screen. The Plaza has power, a sound system, and capacity for projections and hanging work across the plaza. Sculptural installations rotate twice per year, in April and October. Proposals should be for four sculptures or a site-specific installation and can include a video component. Proposals for video only are also accepted. 

WSU hosts regular events at the Plaza such as dance and theatre performances, an evening art market, silent disco, and food trucks. Proposals with related programming (performances, movies, workshops) are highly encouraged. Programming costs are covered. 

Sculpture pads have embedded dimmable lights and steel channels for tack weld construction. Dimensions are:

pad A: irregular trapezoid (33’ x 16’9” x 23’2” x 28’5”), max 100 psf

pad B: irregular pentagon (10’ x 18’11” x 9’4” x 14’11” x 23’9”), max 1500 psf

pads C and D: two 4’6” squares, max weight 5,000 lbs. each

Selection will be based on artistic merit, suitability, and feasibility of project. Preference given to site-responsive experiential work that engages the public. 

Artworks must withstand 24/7 public access and all kinds of weather. Works are fully insured during run of exhibition. Installation assistance provided. 

Artist will give a public talk. 

$35,000 budget includes:

• honorarium
• fabrication costs
• shipping of artwork to and from Ogden
• rental of necessary equipment (telehandler, forklift, etc.)
• transportation for artist(s) to and from Ogden to oversee installation and de-installation
• accommodations and meals

SCHEDULE
 

July 15, 2026: proposal deadline for October 2026–April 2027 installations

July 31, 2026: notification sent to artists

October 23–28: installation

October 29, 2026: public opening

April 2027: artist talk and de-installation

Proposals accepted on a rolling basis for future installations: 

December 1 for summer (April to October) installations

July 1 for winter (October to April) installations

Proposal should include 3-dimensional work for at least the two large sculpture pads and/or video for LED screen.

Artists should submit:

• resume/CV with links to website or social media accounts
• 500 word max biography
• artist statement
• images of two sculptures minimum OR video clip
• at least 3 images per artwork, including title, year, medium, dimensions, weight, current location, and valuation for insurance purposes
• installation plan (explain which sculptures would go on which pads [A, B, C, D] as noted in site plan)

Artists must be over 18 years old. Proposals encouraged from artists whose work engages the general public and the unique layout of Dumke Arts Plaza. 

Selection is made by an advisory committee comprised of individuals from Weber State University, Ogden city, and the arts community.