Call for Artists

The Newport News Public Art Foundation (NNPAF) is calling for artists to create monumental sculpture for public art projects in the city of Newport News, VA.

It is the intention of the NNPAF to bring to the city works that will have lasting value and quality, expand the public’s knowledge and enjoyment of art, and enhance the daily experiences of living and working in the city.

Currently, several sites have been selected with more under preliminary review and consideration. The NNPAF requests that interested artists submit work to its Artist Registry, which will be used to select artists for consideration in future projects. Plans, photography,and other visual information for sites under consideration will be posted as needed. The commission will be based on the scope, scale, and size of each project. Proposal submissions are open to professional sculptors experienced in producing outdoor work.

Artist Guidelines

The NNPAF prefers sculpture that is more classical and traditional within any given artistic style. The sculpture should be created of material appropriate to an outdoor environment in this region of Virginia and must be of suitable construction that will last in perpetuity with minimal maintenance. The work can address any theme or subject matter, figurative or abstract, as long as it is appropriate for public viewing.

Selection Criteria

The NNPAF board will evaluate an artist based on submission materials or seek more detailed proposals. Specific criteria includes the artist’s professional qualifications, proven ability to undertake projects of a similar scope, and artistic merit as evidenced by the submitted materials. Artists may be awarded a specific project or recommended for consideration of future projects. In some instances, selection may require additional approval of corporate and/or local government representatives. Finalists for each project will be chosen solely on the strength of previous work as shown in visual support materials and public art experience.

Application Requirements

To be added to the artist registry, applicants must submit:

• minimum of 10 slides, prints, or digital images of outdoor sculpture
• letter of interest
• resumé
• references

For specific sites under consideration, applicants must submit a minimum of 6 slides, prints, or digital images depicting the proposed work, 10 slides prints, or digital images of outdoor sculpture from other commissions, artwork description, an annotated support materials list, artist’s statement, letter of interest, resumé, references, preliminary budget, and a project timeline. Deadline: ongoing.

or submitted on line.

For additional information, questions, or a prospectus contact Laurel Tsirimokos at