Project Description
LexArts Inc. in association with the City of Lexington Public Art Commission seek sculptures to be leased as part of a 24 month exhibit along Versailles Rd. Exact locations to be determined.
The vision for this installation is to create a 10 artwork sculpture exhibit connecting downtown to Keeneland along Versailles Rd. in advance of the 2026 Breeders' Cup. The sculpture should feel welcoming and should contribute positively to the streetscape while creating a meaningful visual landmark.
We are seeking an existing sculpture or a proposed sculpture by Kentucky Artists. Artworks would need to be ready to install September 2026. Artists may select from two concrete pad options: 3'x3'x3' or 5' x 5' x 1'. There is no application fee to enter.
Project Budget and Artist Responsibilties
Artists will be paid $5,000 for the lease of each artworks selected for the exhibit. The artworks must be delivered to the specified site and the artist is responsible for placing the artwork and attaching it to the provided concrete pedestal using expansion bolts. Artists may choose to make their artworks available for sale. Any sales during the exhibit will be processed through LexArts and a 30% commission will be assessed, the artist will recieve 70% of the sale amount. In addition one artwork will be selected as the peoples choice through a public voting process and a purchase award will be presented in the amount of $15,000. The people's choice artwork will become property of the City of Lexington and will be permenantly installed at the end of the 24 month exhibit period. Artists are expected to remove thier artwork within 30 days of the end of the exhibit end.
Project Timeline
RFP Distribution to Artists June 30, 2026
Deadline for Proposal Submission 11:59 pm EST July 30, 2026
Artist Selection Award Notification August 15, 2026
Artwork Installation September 2026
Application Guidelines
Apply online through Jotform
- A one-page artist statement describing public art experience and interest in the project. Please describe familiarity with outdoor sculpture, longevity of materials and maintenance required.
- A current resume.
- Up to 3 digital images of past artwork with artwork descriptions.
- Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed/existing sculpture (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 the selection Committee established by LexArts.
10 artists will be selected to have artwork exhibited.
Critical Qualification Selection Factors
• Resonance with the project site
• Artistic distinction
• Low maintenance, durability
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.
Request for Proposals
Successful proposals will be expected to provide:
•A written document expressing the conceptual framework and artistic point of view that will guide development of the project;
•One or more drawings of the proposed/ existing work of art. Drawings and/or models should illustrate the conceptual relationships between the artwork and its environment;
•A detailed list of materials, construction methods, and the associated installation schedule – in line as possible with the schedule set forth in this document.
Sculptures on concrete pads for reference below.