Project Description
LexArts Inc. in association High Point at Woodland Park Condominium Association (COA) seeks a sculpture for permanent acquisition and placement in an outdoor setting at 499 East High Street, Lexington.
The vision for this installation is to create a recognizable and uplifting public artwork that celebrates the social fabric of the Alyesford Place Neighborhood and High Street/Woodland Avenue corridor — a place where residents walk, gather, work, connect, shop, dine and enjoy the surrounding parks and green spaces. The sculpture should feel welcoming, timeless, and should contribute positively to the streetscape while creating a meaningful visual landmark.
This artwork will be placed on the sidewalk from the building to High Street directly in front of the building’s first floor commercial space currently owned and occupied by the Blue Grass Community Foundation (see exhibit 1 – Map). The installation cannot block the sidewalk, it is envisioned the artwork may be partially installed on the sidewalk and a portion of the base could be off the sidewalk, similar to how the building’s existing Horsemania “Mechanical” sculpture is situated on the parallel sidewalk.
We are seeking an existing sculpture or a proposed sculpture by Kentucky Artists. The Committee prefers artwork that is not a Horsemania sculpture, however submitting a Horsemania sculpture is permissible. There is no application fee to enter.
Project Budget
The budget to purchase artwork is up to $10,000, an additional $1,500 has been reserved for possible sculpture base or foundation needs. Therefore, the total installed purchase price must not exceed this $11,500 maximum, and should include travel, research, design, execution, insurance, taxes, artwork installation and materials.
Project Timeline
RFP Distribution to Artists May 26, 2026
Deadline for Proposal Submission 11:59 pm EST July 15, 2026
Selection Committee Review July 16 – 30th 2026
Artist Selection Award Notification July 31, 2026
Site Preparation & Artwork Installation August - October 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 6 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 the High Point COA, including representatives from the COA, LFUCG and LexArts.
One artist will be selected for artwork acquisition by July 31st 2026.
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.