• Canvas of Silks

    Lexington, KY

  • Project Description

    LexArts seeks artists to participate in a temporary public art installation to be installed as part of Breeders' Cup Festival in October 2026.  36" tall Jockey Silk forms will be the canvas for local artists to paint.  

    The vision for this installation is to create a 50 painted silks forms in a downtown location for the month of October 2026 as part of the Breeders' Cup Festival.  Following the public display the artworks will be sold to benefit LexArts mission. 

    Artists will also be invited to paint plein air during the Breeders' Cup Festival and will recieve an invitation to the auction event.   

    We are seeking design proposals by Kentucky Artists. Each artist can submit up to three designs for consideration.  There is no application fee to enter.

     

    Project Budget and Artist Responsibilties

    Artists with selected designs will be provided a 36" silks canvas form to paint.  Upon return of the completed painted form, LexArts will pay the artist $500.  LexArts will apply a clear coat to the artwork and manage the public installation.  

    Project Timeline

    RFP Distribution to Artists                                                              June 25, 2026

     

    Deadline for Proposal Submission                          11:59 pm EST July 30, 2026

    Artist Selection Award Notification                                                  August 3, 2026

    Artist Pickup of Silks form                                                             August 8, 2026

    Artwork Delivery to LexArts                                                  September 18, 2026                                  

    Artwork Installation                                                                      October 2026

     

    Application Guidelines

    Apply online through Jotform

    - Contact information

    - Up to 3 digital images of past artwork with artwork descriptions.

    - Image and description of proposed design (may submit up to 3).

    For more information, please contact Nathan Zamarron at 859-255-2951 or nzamarron@lexarts.org.

     

    Eligibility

    Any artist may apply. We are committed to providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on any basis – including, but not limited to, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, gender identity, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical disability.

     

    Selection Process

    The submitted proposals will be reviewed by LexArts.

    50 Designs will be selected for commission.

     

    Critical Qualification Selection Factors

    • Artistic distinction

    • Unique Design Concept

     

    The strength of the submitted images of past artworks demonstrating ability of the artist(s) to complete similar or related projects will be considered critical selection factors.

  • Artist Contact Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Proposed Sculpture Information

  • Applicants may submit up to three designs for consideration.

  • Proposed Design #1

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  • Proposed Design #2

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  • Proposed Design #3

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  • Relevant Experience

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  • Artist Demographics

    LexArts collects optional demographic information to better understand and serve our community, ensure equitable access to opportunities, and meet grant reporting requirements. Your responses help us advocate for artists and curators in Central Kentucky and beyond. All questions are optional, and your individual information will remain confidential.
  • Describe the racial/ethnic identity(s) of proposed artist(s). (Select all that apply.):*
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