Call for Art - SculptureWalk Sioux Falls 2027

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is the largest annual exhibit of public sculptures in the world, transforming downtown Sioux Falls into an open-air gallery each year with over 70 sculptures on display.

Our Guiding Principle - To be the highest quality, most professional, financially strong, artist friendly, year-round outdoor sculpture program in the United States. The sculptures are owned by the sculptors and loaned to the exhibit for a year.

We are now accepting artist submissions for our 2026 exhibition and invite sculptors from across the country to be part of this vibrant community display. 

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls invites artists of all backgrounds to apply for our 2027 downtown exhibition. We welcome submissions from emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Whether you are an experienced sculptor or new to public art, we encourage you to submit your work for consideration.

Artists may submit up to five (5) original sculptures. The entry fee is $25.00. Please note: SculptureWalk will not accept entries that are identical to sculptures currently installed or scheduled to be installed in other public sculpture programs within 200 miles of Sioux Falls. If a sculpture in this circumstance has previously been exhibited in SculptureWalk, it will not be eligible for any awards. 

SculptureWalk will retain a 25% commission on any sculptures sold or commissioned (new or existing) as a result of being part of or displayed in our programs. Liability and Inland Marine (collision and comprehensive) insurance coverage will be provided on all accepted sculptures.

Artist Compensation & Opportunities
All sculptors selected for the 2026 SculptureWalk exhibition will receive a $1,500.00 honorarium. Each year, Best of Show prizes are awarded based on artistic merit, as determined by a jury of local industry leaders. The Best of Show sculpture will be purchased by the City of Sioux Falls for up to $30,000.00.

Please confirm that you are willing to sell your sculpture(s) to the City of Sioux Falls for up to $30,000 if awarded Best of Show.

In addition, the public votes on their favorite sculptures during the exhibition. People’s Choice winners will receive the following cash prizes: 1st Place – $3,000.00, 2nd Place – $2,000.00, and 3rd Place – $1,000.00. Artists who receive three Best of Show or People’s Choice awards will earn SculptureWalk Virtuoso Certification and receive a $2,000 honorarium toward a future SculptureWalk exhibition.

Installation Weekend
Artists traveling more than 150+ miles to Sioux Falls for installation weekend will receive a travel stipend based on the distance from their ZIP Code, up to $500.00. In addition, each artist will receive a complimentary two-night stay at a Downtown Sioux Falls hotel during installation weekend.

Timeline 
August 1, 2026 - Call for Art Opens on CAFE website

October 1, 2026 - Call for Art Closes

Mid-October, 2026 - Selection Committee meets and determines selected sculptures

Early November, 2026 - Artists are notified of results

April 1, 2027 - Shipped Sculptures Delivery Deadline

May 7, 2027 (First Friday in May 2027) 11:00 Am - 4:00 PM - Sculpture Delivery and Drop Off

May 8, 2027 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Sculpture Installation

May 8, 2027 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Artist Reception

All applications must be submitted through CaFÉ. Artists may submit up to five sculptures for consideration, with a $25 entry fee. Your application should include the following:

Statement of Interest
Please include an Artist Statement or Biography. Your statement should share information about you as an artist and the inspiration behind each sculpture you’re submitting.

Images of Work
Artists must submit photos of their own original sculptures. Images should accurately reflect the artwork’s current condition. If you are submitting a sculpture concept, please include renderings along with examples of your previous work.

Sculpture Description
For each sculpture submitted, please include the following details:

1. Title
2. Height
3. Width
4. Depth
5. Weight
6. Selling Price
7. Material

Artist Selection Process
The SculptureWalk Selection Committee is a blind jury composed of local dignitaries and art enthusiasts. Entries will be evaluated based on artistic merit, creativity, public safety, and durability in an outdoor setting. All artists will be notified of the committee’s decisions once the selection process is complete.

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is open to all artists, both professional and amateur, regardless of location. 

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is open to all artists, both professional and amateur, regardless of location. 

Artwork Requirements
Artists working in all styles and materials are eligible, provided the work is original, appropriate for public display, and suitable for long-term, year-round outdoor exhibition. All sculptures must be constructed with both safety and durability in mind and should be capable of withstanding the South Dakota climate, including wind, snow, and extreme temperatures.

To ensure safe and secure installation, each sculpture must have a steel base plate (minimum 3") with four mounting tabs spaced 90° apart, securely attached to the bottom of the piece. This allows our team to weld the sculpture to its designated pedestal or concrete pad.

SculptureWalk volunteers and welders, equipped with the necessary tools and manpower, will assist with unloading and installing the artwork. SculptureWalk oversees the design and installation of the exhibition and reserves the right to withdraw any artwork at its discretion if deemed unsafe or unsuitable for public display.

We are committed to showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices and strongly encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds and perspectives.