Apply now to be a part of the Iowa City Sculptors Showcase

The City of Iowa City's Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is offering the opportunity for Iowa sculptors to showcase their work in Iowa City for a two-year display period.

The Iowa City Sculptor Showcase features display locations scattered throughout the community at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, along the Iowa River Trail, in Riverfront Crossings Park, at Mercer Park, and at Scott Park. See the online location map for more details. The PAAC will be responsible for reviewing and selecting the submissions and determining the most appropriate location for each.

These temporary exhibits will be displayed from August 2025 through July 2028.

The proposed sculptures will be evaluated on artistic merit, creativity, public safety, appropriateness to their location, and environment. Work must be able to be securely installed on a 4' x 4' cement pad, be well-constructed and of the highest-quality design, and be able to withstand adverse weather conditions (high winds, rain, heat, snow, and freezing temperatures) and an unsupervised general audience. Unstable, fragile, dangerous, inappropriate, or small, lightweight works cannot be considered.

Artists will receive an honorarium of $2,250 for the two-year display. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 18, 2026, by 9 a.m. Artists may submit up to three pieces for consideration.

Detailed information and the online submission form are located at https://www.icgov.org/SculptorsShowcase. Questions can be directed to Rachel Kilburg Varley at [email protected] or 319-356-5248.