Call to Artists: Indigenous Public Art Commission
Skip to main content
Closed Today
Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Graphic announcing Indigenous Art Commission

Accepting Proposals Jan 16–May 13 (extended)

Taku waŋji uŋkoniciyakapi uŋciŋpi.
We want to tell you something.

Are you a knowledge keeper, a contemporary artist, or a traditional artist interested in making public art? The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, along with an Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee, invites artists’ proposals for a new public artwork for placement in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or a location on the Walker campus. Individual or collaborative original work may be sculptural; incorporate other disciplines, such as audiovisual or installation art; or include traditionally sourced materials. Ahaṡ ake!

Your application will be acknowledged with respect and discretion. Please read on for more information and share this call with other artists you know.

Pidauŋyayapi. We accept your offerings with thanks.

—Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee and the Walker Art Center

Accepting Proposals January 16–May 13, 2019

 

APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • Download: Application Packet
    (includes all of the application information as well as the Cover Sheet/Application Checklist Form)
  • Download: Cover Sheet/Application Checklist Form
    (includes only the needed form to send in with your application)
  • Download: Flyer
    (feel free to print this 11 x 17 in. flyer and post it!)
  • Download: Workshop Presentation

    (includes the materials from the free information sessions and workshops)

 

Important Dates

January 16, 2019: Call to Artists Opens
May 13, 2019: Application Deadline (extended)
July 10, 2019: Semifinalists Notified
September 16, 2019: Selected Artist Announced
Fall 2020: Public Artwork Installed and Unveiled (date to be confirmed)

Workshops are offered for artists seeking information or other support assembling their applications.

Workshop 1 | Friday, January 18, 3–4:30 pm

Plains Art Museum
704 First Avenue North, Fargo
North Dakota 58102
plainsart.org



Workshop 2 | Saturday, January 19, 2–3:30 pm

Sisseton Wahpeton College
12572 BIA Highway 700, Sisseton
South Dakota 57262

swcollege.edu

Workshop 3 | Saturday, January 26, 2–3:30 pm

Mystic Lake Center
2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard
Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372
mysticlakecenter.com

Workshop 4 | Saturday, March 30, 2–4 pm

Watermark Art Center
505 Bemidji Avenue North
Bemidji, MN 56601
watermarkartcenter.org

Workshop 5 | Monday, April 22, 6–7:30 pm

Walker Art Center
725 Vineland Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Application Deadline: May 13, 2019 (extended)

  • Download: Workshop Presentation

    (includes the materials from the free information sessions and workshops)

The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, along with an Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee, invites artists’ proposals for a new public artwork for placement in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or a location on the Walker campus. The committee—a group of Native curators, knowledge keepers, artists, and arts professionals, including individuals of Dakota descent and enrollment—will participate with the Walker in the review and selection of the proposals. When a final proposal is selected, the Walker will work with and support the selected artist or artist collective in the production of the project, from technical development to engagement, per the terms of a written commission agreement. The goal is to install the completed work in the fall of 2020.

From of Walker Art Center

About the Walker Art Center/
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Walker Art Center is an interdisciplinary contemporary art center committed to supporting the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences. The museum, located near downtown Minneapolis, is situated on land shaped by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. The area was once an expanse of marshland used for hundreds of years as a seasonal camp by the Dakota and Ojibwe people. In the late 1800s, the site held an armory and parade grounds. Formal gardens and a series of sports fields were established here in the early 1900s. When the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden opened in 1988 as a collaboration between the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Walker Art Center, it was one of the first major public/private urban sculpture parks of its kind in the United States. The Wurtele Upper Garden, a landscaped hillside expanse adjacent to the Walker, is the newest outdoor space on the Walker campus and includes pedestrian walkways, sculpture, and sites for public events.

Projects may be proposed by individual artists or artist collectives (in which case a lead artist must be identified with the application). Organizations, architectural and engineering firms, design firms, galleries, and public art consultants are not eligible. Artists must be over age 21. Artists with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Dakota culture and language are encouraged to apply.

Project Location

There are several possible sites for installation of the commissioned work in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or on the Walker campus. Once selected, the artist will have the opportunity to discuss possible sites with the Walker Art Center and, if a Minneapolis Sculpture Garden site is identified, with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

Project Budget

The budget for the project will include several parts:

  • Proposal Fee for Semifinalists: Three semifinalists for the commission will be identified by the Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee and the Walker Art Center during the review process. Semifinalists will be invited to prepare a more detailed proposal for which they will each receive a fee of $1,500.
  • Artist Fee for Final Project: The artist (or artist collective) selected for the commission will receive a one-time total fee of $35,000, payable in installments as outlined in the written commission agreement for the project. If the selected artist/collective chooses to participate in public engagement efforts, which may include educational activities or community discussions, an additional $5,000 fee may be offered.
  • Production Budget: The production budget (fabrication, logistics) will vary depending on the selected proposal but will not exceed $110,000. The Walker will additionally fund shipping and installation of the completed work and plans to provide interpretation, publicity, and outreach, all per the written commission agreement.

January 16, 2019 Call to Artists Opens
January 18, 2019 Workshop 1: Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND, 3–5 pm
January 19, 2019 Workshop 2: Sisseton Wahpeton College, Sisseton, SD, 2–3:30 pm
January 26, 2019 Workshop 3: Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake, MN, 2–4 pm
January 28, 2019 Workshop Materials Available on Website
March 30, 2019 Workshop 4: Watermark Art Center, Bemidji, MN, 2–4 pm
April 22, 2019 Workshop 5: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN, 6–7:30 pm
May 13, 2019 Application Deadline (extended)
June 17, 2019 Semifinalists Notified
September 16, 2019 Selected Artist Announced
Fall 2019–2020 Project Development & Fabrication
Fall 2020 (date to be confirmed) Public Artwork Installed & Unveiled

The artist or collective selected will collaborate throughout the project with the Walker Art Center. Artists’ responsibilities will be defined in a written commission agreement, which may include, but will not be not limited to:

  • Before commission agreement is signed, working with Walker staff and possible consultants (for example, structural engineers or art conservators) to finalize material specifications and fabrication plans (including technical drawings), to ensure the artwork’s durability for display in an outdoor context. Reasonable travel, per diem, and accommodations for necessary meetings related to finalizing project specifications will be paid by Walker Art Center.
  • Before commission agreement is signed, working with Walker staff to develop final fabrication budget.
  • Following the finalization of fabrication plans and budget, signing a commission agreement with Walker Art Center to initiate project and payments to artist. The commission agreement ensures that, upon completion of project, the work will formally enter the Walker’s permanent collection.
  • Meeting with Walker staff and possibly staff from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to site the piece.
  • Adhering to established schedule and deadlines for the project.
  • Participating in periodic presentations with various community constituencies.
  • Participating in documentation of the project’s development with Walker staff.
  • Working with the Walker/contractors and being present during installation of the piece.
  • Communicating regularly with Walker staff throughout the development, fabrication, and installation of the project.

Individual artists and artist collectives meeting the eligibility requirements are invited to submit proposals to be included in the first round of consideration for this new project. Detailed application guidelines are provided below.

Application Deadline: Monday, May 13, 2019.

What to Submit

Please send the following materials by email to publicart@walkerart.org. If your application is more than 10 MB, please use a free document storage website, such as DropBox or WeTransfer, then email your cover letter and the link to your application materials to publicart@walkerart.org.

Cover Sheet & Application Checklist

A completed copy of the one-page Cover Sheet & Application Checklist form, which can be downloaded here.

Sample Images

Include up to 8 images of your previous artwork in JPEG format. It is recommended that your images be roughly 1920 x 1920 pixels and no more than 1.8 MB each in file size.

Written Materials

Proposal packets should be in PDF format (8 ½ x 11 in.). Include all of the following:

  • Artist Statement: A description of why you are interested in the project, and your artistic approach. Limit 1,000 words.
  • Résumé/CV: Your current résumé or that of each artist involved, up to two pages per artist.
  • Image List: A description of each of the attached 8 images, not to exceed 200 words each. Number each JPEG to correspond with the Image List.
  • References: The names, email addresses, and daytime phone numbers of three references who can speak about your ability as an artist and as a collaborator.

Project Proposal

  • Proposals should be in PDF format (8 1/2 x 11 in.), general in nature (for example, full technical specifications not required at this time), and not exceed 10 pages. Proposal must include:
  • A written statement describing artwork concept.
  • Illustrations or renderings of overall concept.
  • Description of proposed scale.
  • Description of proposed materials.
  • A general overview of fabrication and production process.
    Note: When selected, finalists will have opportunities to discuss all fabrication and installation needs with the Walker as they develop their full proposals.

SEND TO

Email your proposal materials to publicart@walkerart.org.

Email your proposal materials to publicart@walkerart.org. Please include your first and last name/PAC in the subject line. If your application is more than 10 MB, please use a free document storage website, such as DropBox or WeTransfer, then email your cover sheet and the link to your application to publicart@walkerart.org.

All materials submitted will be used by the Walker Art Center and the Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee for purposes of considering the proposal. Materials submitted with the application will not be returned.

For technical or other support in assembling your application, please email publicart@walkerart.org.

January 16, 2019 Call to Artists Opens
May 13, 2019 (extended) Application Deadline
June 17, 2019 Semifinalists Notified
September 16, 2019 Selected Artist Announced
Fall 2019–2020 Project Development/Fabrication
Fall 2020 Public Artwork Installed and Unveiled (date to be confirmed

Applications must be received by May 13, 2019 (extended). Late applications will not be accepted.

Yes, a series of four workshops will be offered for artists seeking information or other support assembling their applications.

January 18, 2019 Workshop 1: Plains Art Museum, Fargo, North Dakota, 3–4:30 pm
January 19, 2019 Workshop 2: Workshop 2: Sisseton Wahpeton College, Sisseton, South Dakota, 2–3:30 pm
January 26, 2019 Workshop 3: Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake, Minnesota, 2–3:30 pm
April 22, 2019 Workshop 4: Watermark Art Center, Bemidji, 2–4 pm
February 20, 2019 Workshop 5: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, 6–7:30 pm

Workshop materials will be available for download on this website on January 28, 2019.

No, workshops are intended as information sessions only. There is no requirement to attend and attendance does not influence the selection process.

Yes, any artist who meets the eligibility requirements set out above may apply. There is no residence restriction.

While artists with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Dakota culture and language are encouraged to apply, any artist who meets the eligibility requirements set out above may propose a project for the commission.

Yes, if a proposal is selected, the Walker Art Center will work with the chosen artist or collective to develop their proposal for an outdoor site.

Yes, artists are encouraged to consider working in materials that are new to them. The Walker will work with the selected artist to facilitate the fabrication of the commissioned artwork in the chosen medium, which must be durable and suitable for display outdoors. Any artworks proposed must be new and original.

Artist collectives are welcome to apply; however, the artist fee structure remains the same whether an individual artist or group of collaborators is chosen. A lead artist must be identified with the application and all members of the group will need to agree to the terms of the written commission agreement.

No, proposals are limited to one per applicant.

Three semifinalist artists will be chosen by the Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee and the Walker Art Center. Semifinalists will be offered a fee to prepare more detailed proposals, from which one project will be chosen for the commission.

This committee is composed of a group of Native curators, knowledge keepers, artists, and arts professionals based in Minnesota and nationally, including individuals of Dakota descent and enrollment. The group is working collaboratively with the Walker Art Center to shape the commission process, review applications, and select the final proposal.

All artists who send materials will receive a response and applications will be acknowledged with respect and discretion. Finalists will be chosen by the Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee, which includes Indigenous artists and curators, and the Walker.

Three semifinalists will be invited to prepare a more detailed proposal for which they will each receive a fee of $1,500.

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, feedback on individual applications will not be provided.

Yes, upon completion and installation of the commission, the artwork will formally enter the Walker Art Center’s permanent collection.

The Walker will work with the artist to select a position in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or a location on the Walker campus for the artwork’s initial display. Several options for sites will be offered.

Like all works in the Walker Art Center’s permanent collection, including those in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, it is possible that the artwork’s location may change over time.

The production budget (fabrication, logistics) will vary depending on the selected proposal but will not exceed $110,000. The artist (or collective) selected for the commission will receive a fee of $35,000, payable in installments as outlined in the written commission agreement for the project. If the selected artist chooses to participate in public engagement efforts, which may include educational activities or community discussions, an additional $5,000 fee may be offered. The Walker will additionally fund shipping and installation of the piece and may provide support for interpretation, publicity, and outreach.

When the project is selected, the Walker will work closely with the artist(s) as the artwork is developed and fabricated. The Walker’s support will be specifically described in the commission agreement entered into with the artist, but in general will including certain funding for the production, transport, and installation of the work, additional artist fees, and may also include certain outreach, publicity, and interpretative materials related to the project. When complete, the artwork will initially be displayed with other outdoor works in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or Walker campus as part of the Walker’s world-renowned permanent collection.

No, any materials submitted with your application will not be returned. The materials will be used by the Walker and the Indigenous Public Art Selection Committee for purposes of considering the proposal.

Please email your questions to publicart@walkerart.org and we will respond as soon as possible.

Application Deadline: May 13, 2019

Content updated March 2019.