Franconia Open Call 2026

Background

Founded in 1996, Franconia Sculpture Park is the Midwest’s pre-eminent, artist-centered sculpture park. Franconia’s mission is to foster an inclusive community to create and contemplate contemporary art inspired by nature and our ever-evolving world. Located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley of Minnesota, Franconia operates a 50-acre outdoor museum, an active artist residency program, and more than 60 public programs each year. The park is open daily, welcoming over 180,000 visitors each year. We cultivate critical dialogue between artists and audiences; support artists through producing and presenting new, experimental work; and educate artists and audiences of tomorrow. We create programming that is responsive to the wants and needs of artists, and our rural community. 

ALL sculptures created through this program are supposed to last at least 2 years outside, on-site, exposed to harsh Minnesota seasons and thousands of visitors. The artwork remains property of the artist and after two years may continue on exhibition, be sold, or deinstalled in coordination with Franconia. 

2026: Freedom and Revolution

Each year, the park's curatorial theme draws attention to contemporary forces. In the Freedom and Revolution announcement marking the country’s semiquincentennial, Executive Director and Army Veteran Alex Legeros says, “Being creative means being free. Artists have long been the ones who get us to see the world differently, and at Franconia we have over 100 examples of what happens when an artist is given the freedom to pursue their dreams. When I think of the logic behind what Franconia does, it’s this: we invite artists to catch your eye, make connections, and you leave seeing your world—your home, your choices, your future—differently. It’s a revolution, and it’s very cool.”

Combined giving from donors, foundations, and government agencies will allow for more support for resident artists than ever before. What a way to celebrate Franconia’s 30th birthday this year! 

“Over the last 30 years, the world has needed Franconia Sculpture Park to be an example of freedom and revolution—a refuge for big, bold ideas. What has long fueled our commitment to contemporary artists is also what makes Franconia a joyous and empowering place.” Thanks to this shared belief in the power of what’s happening right here, right now, “We’ll use the year of art, connection, and community to think about what these words mean.”

All Franconia Artists-in-Residence receive:

> Access to Franconia’s Work Pad: tool sheds, welders, large gantries, outdoor workspace. Residents have access to a bobcat/skidsteer and 16’ crane truck, in addition to Franconia’s used pickup and large forklift. 

> NEW! Each artist-in-residence will be provided a $1000 materials stipend in addition to the increased Fellowship awards. 

> Free accommodation in Franconia’s Artist Residence: private bedroom, two kitchen areas, office, shared bathrooms & laundry, great wifi. 

> Support from Franconia’s Site Council during fabrication and installation, which this year includes Teaching Artist-in-Residence partnering organization Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.

> Inclusion in the 2026 Art & Artists Symposium on September 26, as well as the International Sculpture Center Conference event at Franconia on Saturday, October 24.

> Features in print and online media, such as Franconia’s website and annual report, as well as enduring recognition during the lifespan of the sculpture. 

> Respect. Led by and supported by artists, Franconia strives to set a high level of discourse that amplifies the lifelong impact for artists and art-lovers.

Selection Process

Franconia’s Open Call is based in our community and mission. Franconia’s Artistic Council makes final applicant selections. This body’s members come from Franconia’s annual Artist in Leadership cohort, as well as an equal number of members of its Board of Directors, and is facilitated by the Executive Director. Franconia’s Site Council will also review and provide feedback on proposals as they relate to Franconia’s capacities: equipment, construction, environment, and experience. 

Timeline:

• Open Call Launch, June 9
• Open Call Deadline, June 28, 11:59PM
• Site & Artistic Council Review: week of June 29
• Awards Announced, July 4
• Residencies: July - Late September
• *Deadline for Public Unveiling, Art & Artists Symposium, September 26
• +International Sculpture Center Conference Event, October 24 

*Any Artist-in-Residence not complete by 9/26 must present work in-progress on 9/26. 

+Residents will forfeit their award if not complete by 10/24, unless a return plan is approved by Franconia's Executive Director. 

Application:

• 1-page Artist Statement (or 2-min video) including desired outcomes at Franconia
• 1-2 page Resume 1-2 page Proposal, including a list of materials and projected budget
• 5-10 portfolio images

Please note:

Applicant feedback will be available upon request and not shared at the time of notification. Franconia may reject any and all proposals received in response to this Open Call. 

This program is funded in part through the National Endowment for the Arts' Freedom250 celebration, and in other parts by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Fellowship Details & Application

 

Emerging Artist Fellowships

This residency program is centered around giving new opportunities to people exploring sculpture in their development as an artist. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in creating art, however no prior public sculpture experience is necessary. Applicants are encouraged to give a realistic picture of their skills and experience, knowing that this residency is ideally a learning opportunity for those relatively new to outdoor public art. Each Emerging Artist will be awarded a $6000 fellowship to support their residency. 

Emerging Artist Residencies occur between July - September 26, 2026, with 4-6 weeks expected on-site. The artists will be expected to complete a sculpture that lives for at least two years here, exposed to thousands of visitors as well as Minnesota’s harsh climate. Artists will have the assistance of Franconia’s Site Council in the creation and installation of their work, however the artist is primarily responsible at all project stages. 

Extensions to working time will be accepted but not guaranteed. Any Artist-in-Residence not complete by September 26 will be expected to present work in-progress during Art & Artists Symposium on September 26. Emerging Artists must depart by October 6 unless approved by the Executive Director.

 

Midcareer Artist Fellowships

Midcareer artist-applicants should demonstrate experience in public art and audience engagement, and share in their application how the Fellowship at Franconia will assist them in taking new steps in their career journey. 

The Midcareer artist will be featured in the September 26 Symposium (attendance required, format to be determined) with the expectation that their sculpture is completed by that time. If not, Midcareer Artists may continue to work until October 24, and depart no later than November 2. 

Midcareer artists will be expected to live on-site for 8-10 weeks between July-late September. This amount of time is intended to give the artist opportunities to explore the vibrant region, and connect to the land and communities Franconia touches. The artist will receive a $12,000 award from Franconia Sculpture Park and may incorporate additional external support as needed. 

Instructions

• We prefer you use this form to submit.
• This is free. There are file size limits. Please respect the guidelines.
• If you have any issues submitting using this form, collect all your documents and send them in one email to info@franconia.org with the subject line: FULL NAME, Midcareer/Emerging Artist Fellowship Application

Thank You!

We will work very quickly to announce awards on July 4. Personal feedback may not be available immediately after request.