Outdoor DownEast Sculpture Exhibition 2027-28

A year-long national juried outdoor sculpture exhibition at sites throughout Pitt County, North Carolina, presented through partnerships with local arts organizations, municipalities, and other institutions. Selected sculptures will be exhibited from February 2027 through February 2028. Each selected sculpture receives a $1,200 honorarium, with additional first-, second-, and third-place prizes.

Open nationally to artists ages 18 and up. Submit digitally through CaFÉ/Creative West; applications open September 1, 2026 and close November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit at least one sculpture with materials, dimensions, and value. Artists may submit up to six entries: the required first entry costs $15, and up to five additional entries cost $5 each. Media requirements are 1–6 images, with no audio or video; images must conform to the platform's specified format. Retain a copy of the entry information and record each artwork's application number, which will identify accepted works. Juror decisions will be emailed separately for each entry no later than December 15, 2026; artists are responsible for monitoring their account's My Entries status. Sculptures should be large-scale and fit pads ranging from 4 feet by 4 feet to 10 feet round in diameter. Work must use exterior-grade materials and withstand outdoor exhibition for the full period, from installation in February 2027 through removal in February 2028. Artists must install and remove their own work and deliver and retrieve their sculptures; the Arts Council and towns will not coordinate shipping. Installation and removal are coordinated directly with the exhibiting entity under a one-year contract. Assistance is not guaranteed; requests for human assistance must be submitted in writing 14 days before installation. Artists must bring their own tools, including generators if necessary or outside business hours. Liability insurance may be requested for City of Greenville locations. Sculptures must be removed by March 1, 2028, including all associated bolts and hardware. Plaques may be taken only for ceremonial purposes; steel brackets must remain, and loose or damaged brackets must be reported to Sarah Lazure. Each selected sculpture receives a $1,200 honorarium. Additional prizes are $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. Presenting entities insure work for only 70% of its sales price and only during exhibition dates, excluding installation and removal. Insurance values must be realistic and may be questioned; proof of similar sales may be requested. Artworks valued above the insurance maximum may not be selected. Consent to reproduction for publicity, catalog, or educational purposes is assumed unless specifically reserved in writing. Submission constitutes agreement to all conditions.