Selection Committee

Artwork will be selected by the City of Oxford and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC), along with the assistance of the Director of Public Works.

The Panel will use the following selection criteria:

Required Artwork Characteristics

• Suitability for family viewing
• Display of high-quality technical skill, imagination, and innovation
• Suitability for outdoor display in adverse weather conditions
• Soundness of construction, durability and safety of artwork

Desirable Artwork Characteristics

• Artwork that is easily visible to create a sense of discovery, surprise, and intimacy
• Artwork that use kinetic devices, optical effects, dynamic shapes, or bright colors
to celebrate trail users; sense of movement and motion
• Artwork that is participatory, interactive
• Artwork that is whimsical, uplifting, and creative

Location of Artwork

Downtown Oxford is a North Carolina Main Street community and a destination where people, businesses and the arts thrive. Incorporated in 1816, long time and new residents alike are rediscovering many of the historical and architecturally significant buildings and neighborhoods that add charm and character to Downtown. 

Festivals and special events such as the NC Hot Sauce Festival, Alive After Five, Music on Main, Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade, and many more draw visitors and
residents by the thousands to Downtown.

Downtown Oxford is accessible with I-85, Hwy 15, Hwy 158, Hwy 96 and is located just up the road from Durham, Raleigh, and the Research Triangle.

Sites for the sculpture trail include many popular and well-traveled locations in Downtown Oxford and beyond. The City reserves the right to designate the exhibition location of the selected work.

Installation

Artists are responsible for all costs, equipment and labor necessary for the delivery, installation and removal of their work and assume all risk and damage to their work before and during installation and during and after removal.

The sculptures will be insured by the City of Oxford up to the purchase value of the sculpture after installation while on exhibition. A level, 4-by-4 concrete pad will be provided for securing the sculptures. Any work not appropriate for installation onto a concrete base will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with the artist. The artists will install the work under the supervision of City personnel. Lighting and power may be
provided at some of the locations. The Artist shall affix his or her art work to the concrete pad with locking bolts to prevent tampering or removal of the art work by unauthorized parties.

Sales

Each selected piece of artwork will have a pre-determined sales price, up to a maximum of $20,000. The City of Oxford may purchase one or more of the exhibited artworks for placement at permanent locations throughout the City. If so chosen, the artists agree to sell the artwork to the City for the pre determined purchase price. The up to $1,000.00 stipend provided to the artists will be credited against the purchase for those artworks selected. Artwork must remain on display throughout the duration of the exhibition. No commission will be charged on any sale of the work.

Project Timeline

• Submissions due: Monday, July 8th 2024
• Selection Notifications to Artists: July 15, 2024
• Delivery and Installation of Artwork Completed: Before August 26, 2024. Installation dates will be negotiated between the City and the artist
• People’s Choice Award: Spring 2025
• Removal: end of May-June 2025

The City of Oxford reserves the right to change the project timeline.

How to Apply:

Artists interested in this project must prepare and submit materials detailed below on the form provided. Additional information may be required at the discretion of the City.

The application form for each sculpture entry should include:

• Detailed list of materials used in the sculpture.
• An artist’s statement describing the artwork, including the date of creation and a detailed explanation of the creative process.
• A thorough explanation of how the sculpture will be secured or anchored upon installation.
• A brief artist biography outlining credentials and relevant experience with public art commissions.
• Multiple photographs of each artwork in JPEG or PDF format (up to 6 per sculpture), including one with a person or other object for scale
• The artist's requested stipend for each selected sculpture (up to $1,000.00 per piece). However, the City of Oxford is seeking one standout piece and will provide a stipend of up to $3,000.00 for that sculpture.

PLEASE INCLUDE ACCURATE DIMENSIONS: 

Submit up to six photos of the artwork entry (in JPEG or PDF format). At least one photo should show scale of artwork, so the committee can see size in context.

I have read and accept fully all conditions set forth in the Call to Artists, City of Oxford Sculpture Trail.