2027 SCULPTURETOUR SALINA COMPETITION & EXHIBITION

SculptureTour Salina (STS) is an annual curated exhibition in Salina, Kansas which includes juried work and direct selection of artists. Salina is an extraordinary community boasting a cultural vibe beyond expectations.
The STS exhibition is open to any artist creating work suitable for outdoor display. Between 20-25 sculptures are selected and carefully sited in historic downtown Salina. Sculptures
remain installed for one year and the program is marketed to provide both viewing enjoyment to community and visitors, and an opportunity to sell artists’ work.
To date, more than 40 sculptures have been purchased by local businesses and individuals.
Fifteen People’s Choice Award winning sculptures have also been purchased and placed in the community. The City of Salina designates up to $20,000 for the purchase of the People’s Choice ballot winner. The sculpture is then installed in a public environment within the community as part of Salina’s growing public art collection.

SculptureTour Salina (STS) is an annual curated exhibition in Salina, Kansas which includes juried work and direct selection of artists. Salina is an extraordinary community boasting a cultural vibe beyond expectations.
The STS exhibition is open to any artist creating work suitable for outdoor display. Between 20-25 sculptures are selected and carefully sited in historic downtown Salina. Sculptures
remain installed for one year and the program is marketed to provide both viewing enjoyment to community and visitors, and an opportunity to sell artists’ work.

To date, more than 40 sculptures have been purchased by local businesses and individuals.
Fourteen People’s Choice Award winners have also been purchased and placed in the community. The City of Salina designates up to $20,000 for the purchase of the People’s Choice ballot winner. The sculpture is then installed in a public environment within the community as part of Salina’s growing public art collection.
In addition to the People’s Choice Award, $4,750 in Juror’s Merit Awards and $1,500 in Public Merit Awards are given.

Exhibition Selection
Consideration is given to quality of work, artistic merit, design, craftsmanship, creative use of materials, scale, weather appropriate, along with durability and safety for community display. Works will be selected in a wide range of media and expression.
 

Downtown Excitement
Salina Downtown offers a vibrant experience as an accredited Kansas Main Street with Mainstreet America. It features the popular SculptureTour Salina, which can be enjoyed along its wide pedestrian friendly sidewalks. The area boasts unique boutiques, diverse restaurants and hosts over 50 annual events, including the seasonal Saturday Farm and Art Market, concerts, parades, street fairs, car shows and BOOM! Street Art and Murals. Visitors can also explore cultural attractions like the Historic Stiefel Theatre, the Salina Art Center, and the Garage Auto Museum to name a few. With so much to see and do, Salina Downtown is an ideal destination for playing, shopping, eating and enjoying the arts.
 

STS Policies

• Selected sculptures will be on display from early May through early April.
• Sculptures are required to remain installed for the duration.
• A stipend of $1,500 is awarded for each sculpture. ($1,250 at time of delivery & $250 at pick-up)
• One-night complimentary stay per artist
• Artists have the option to participate in the People’s Choice Award program.
• Artists have the option to list their artwork for sale.
• SculptureTour Salina (STS) retains 25% commission on sold work.
• STS provides technical assistance during installation of artwork.
• Work has been commissioned from participating artists on occasion.

Awards
A Juror will be selected to award $4,750 in cash awards during the opening day of SculptureTour – May 1, 2027. Juror’s Awards will be presented during the Un-Wrap Party.

Juror Merit Awards

• Sylvia Rice Best of Show $2,500
• Merit Award $1,500
• Merit Award $ 750

People's Choice Awards:
The People's Choice Awards is determined by public ballot, available through December 31, 2027. The sculpture with the most votes by ballot will be purchased by the City of Salina at listed price, up to $20,000.
People's Merit Award: $1,000 award to artist based on 2nd highest total number of votes.
Youth Merit Award: $500 award to artist is based on highest number of votes by youth, 14 and under.

Calendar
December 31, 2026: Applications due
January 29, 2027: Jury notification
April 2027: De-installation of 2026 exhibit, Installation of 2027 exhibit begins
May 1, 2027: Opening day, Un-Wrap Party, Juror’s Merit Awards Announced
May 1, 2027 – April 2028: Exhibit open
May 1-December 31, 2027: People’s Choice Award Voting Period
January 2028: People’s Choice Award
Announcement
April 2028: De-installation of 2027 exhibit
May 31, 2028: All pieces must be retrieved from Salina, or storage fees or $50 per month will commence.

• All artwork must be the original work of the submitting artist.
• Artists are responsible for round-trip shipment of work and may provide installation instruction or personally assist with installation of work(s).
• Artists may submit up to three (3) sculptures for consideration.
• Artworks submitted must have at least one dimension that is no less than three (3) feet, excluding base.
• ONLY high resolution (1920 x 1920 pixels minimum) digital baseline JPEG images will be accepted. No progressive JPEG files will be accepted.
• Artists are to designate if the artwork is for sale and provide a purchase price.
• Artists must designate whether the piece is to be considered in the People’s Choice Award Program.
• The sculpture receiving the most votes will be purchased by the City of Salina, at listed price, up to $20,000.
• Artist’s resume/short bio must be included in the application.
• An artist’s statement about each piece must be included in the application. Please note if work or any individual part is kinetic.
• Drawings, draft ideas or digital mockups will NOT be accepted.

• All artwork must be the original work of the submitting artist.
• Drawings, draft ideas or digital mockups will NOT be accepted.
• Artists may submit up to three (3) sculptures for consideration.
• Artworks submitted must have at least one dimension measuring no less than three (3) feet, excluding the base.