2026 Sculpture in Franklin County NC

The Arts Council of Franklin County (ACFC) is pleased to announce another installment in its annual sculpture initiative. Sculptures will be placed in municipal and county spaces for public beautification. 

Description of Location
ACFC is currently seeking 8 sculptures to place in parks for a period of 1 year with the option to renew them the following year at ACFC’s discretion. 

The Artwork
ACFC is encouraging artists to submit pieces that are abstract and nonrepresentational in aesthetic nature. Chosen pieces enrich the beauty of our parks and public spaces. The artwork must be 60” tall or larger, a three-dimensional, stand-alone piece and must be designed and fabricated for long‐term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance. The artist will be responsible for transporting the artwork to and from its present location and for any costs associated with the transport of the artwork. A member of ACFC is available to assist with labor and placement of pieces, if requested, given advanced noticed.

The Budget
After the site placement of the artwork, a stipend will be paid to the artist. A second, negotiable stipend will be paid to the artists at the start of the second year, should the piece be retained for the collection. Temporary plaques with the name of the art piece, artist contact info and purchase information will be placed at each installation and provided by ACFC. The displayed art pieces will be offered for sale if the artist chooses to do so, a fact that will be denoted on the temporary plaque.

The minimum size of the artwork must be 60” tall or larger, a three-dimensional, stand-alone piece, and must be designed and fabricated for long‐term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance. Pieces of a diameter less than 48" are preferred.

Submissions should include three or more digital images taken from front and back and side viewpoints. 

Submissions should include prices and dimensions of each piece in question. Pieces without prices and dimensions will not be considered. 

In addition, artists should submit a short written statement that includes a brief explanation and inspiration for each piece.

Before the selected art work can be placed, a contract for the artist must be completed and signed, which constitutes the entire contract between the artist submitting the artwork, ACFC and the site owner. 

The project is open to all artists that are residents of the state of North Carolina. NC residents only. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including teams of artists from multiple disciplines. Selection panelists and their immediate family members are not eligible for participation. 

Please ensure that you list the prices and 3 dimensions for any entries. Entries without listed dimensions will not be considered.