A Call to Artists

Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN) is excited to announce that the communities of Columbus, Cozad, Fremont, Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte, Ogallala, and Valentine are bringing outdoor art to residents and visitors through a revolving outdoor sculpture walk featuring sculptures displayed in public spaces throughout each community. Our goal is to add art that will inspire, entertain, and educate while providing additional attractions for visitors and community members to enjoy as they explore each community.

This program is a collaboration of community partners that allows selected artists to exhibit their sculptures in SWAN communities for multiple years. Artists have the option to participate in one or all participating community programs.

Professional and emerging artists are invited to enter up to six (6) works each year. One of our main priorities is to promote participating artists through:

• Sculpture Walk brochures and maps – Made readily available at various locations throughout participating communities.
• Sculpture plaques – Featuring the artist’s name, information about the sculpture, and the artist’s set sale price.
• Community publicity and events – Including annual celebrations promoted through community partnerships.
• Digital and visitor marketing – Including websites, social media, and visitor information bags.

Each selected sculptor will receive a $1,000 stipend per selected sculpture upon delivery of the completed artwork. The stipend may be used toward artist materials, travel, and/or lodging. For example, if an artist has three sculptures selected, they will receive a $1,000 stipend for each sculpture.

SWAN community residents and visitors will also be invited to participate in the People’s Choice Award, voting for their favorite sculpture in each community. A $500 award will be presented to the artist of the winning sculpture.

We encourage you to submit up to six (6) applications of your original sculptures, whether in concept, illustration, or photo form. You may apply using the enclosed form or online at sculpturewalkne.com. The application fee is $35 per artist, and submissions are due by October 31, 2026.

Sincerely,

Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN) Participants:

Columbus, Cozad, Fremont, Grand Island, North Platte, Norfolk, Ogallala, Valentine

TIMELINE

October 31, 2026    Application deadline
November 27, 2026    Selection results announced to artists
May 3-9, 2027             Sculpture installation (can work with the community on dates)
End of April 2028      Removal/relocation of sculptures