Call for proposals: Rapid City Main Street Square On-site Sculpture Commission

The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) along with Destination Rapid City (DRC) announce an international call for artists interested in an on-site commission to sculpt the 21 granite boulders at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City, S.D. 

Mary Maxon, Curator for the Rapid City Arts Council announced the call on January 10, 2012 stating that “this is an incredible opportunity for an artist, or team of artists, to create an important work of art which adds to the cultural and natural history of the region. Rapid City is uniquely located between the northern Great Plains, Badlands, and Black Hills. Our area is home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring sculptures.  We are surrounded by natural works of art like Cathedral Spires, Jewel Cave, Harney Peak, Bear Butte and Devils Tower.  We are also the home of infamous and monumental, manmade sculptures at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial.” 

The sculpture project is expected to be completed on-site by the artist(s) during the next 3-5 years.

Patrick Wyss of Wyss Associates, the local firm selected to manage the sculpture project, expects interest from a wide range of talented artists for this large public art project. “Up to two million dollars in private donations is already in place to attract the right sculptor or team to complete this major work of art which will become a centerpiece for our community and the region.” 

Notice of this Call for Artists has been issued today in numerous local, national and international publications. The selection process will take place over the next nine months. Interested artists are asked to submit their letters of interest, general background and experience information by April 17, 2012.  Semifinalists will be invited to submit more detailed proposals by July 15, 2012.  Finalists will be invited and reimbursed for two on-site visits and a detailed presentation of their vision for the Main Street Square Sculptures. This will occur from August 1 through November 1, 2012. The RCAC will recommend the preferred artist to Destination Rapid City in November, 2012.  

Interested artists for the Main Street Square project should apply on-line at www.callforentry.org.  

Questions should be directed to Patrick Wyss through the company email: admin@wyssassociates.com