Dumke Arts Plaza call for temporary outdoor public art

Overview

Weber State University in partnership with Ogden city seeks proposals for temporary outdoor public art installations at Dumke Arts Plaza, located in the Nine Rails Creative District. The Plaza is a public square with two large and two small sculpture pads, a 9 x 5 ft. LED screen, power, sound system, and capacity for projections and hanging work. The venue hosts regular events including dance, theatre, art markets, and food trucks. Selection based on artistic merit, suitability, feasibility, and preference for site-responsive experiential work that engages the public.

Installation Details

Proposals should be for four sculptures or a site-specific installation and can include a video component. Proposals for video only are also accepted. Sculptural installations rotate twice per year, in April and October. Artists must submit resume/CV, 500-word biography, artist statement, images of minimum two sculptures or video clips, installation plan, and at least 3 images per artwork with title, year, medium, dimensions, weight, current location, and valuation for insurance. Artworks must withstand 24/7 public access and all kinds of weather. Works are fully insured during exhibition run. Installation assistance provided. Artist will give a public talk.

Pad Specifications

• Pad A: irregular trapezoid (33' x 16'9" x 23'2" x 28'5"), max 100 psf
• Pad B: irregular pentagon (10' x 18'11" x 9'4" x 14'11" x 23'9"), max 1500 psf
• Pads C and D: two 4'6" squares, max weight 5,000 lbs. each
• Embedded dimmable lights and steel channels for tack weld construction

Award & Budget

$35,000 budget includes honorarium, fabrication costs, shipping to and from Ogden, rental of necessary equipment (telehandler, forklift, etc.), transportation for artist(s) to oversee installation and de-installation, and accommodations and meals.

Key Dates

• July 15, 2026: proposal deadline for October 2026–April 2027 installations
• July 31, 2026: notification sent to artists
• October 23–28, 2026: installation
• October 29, 2026: public opening
• April 2027: artist talk and de-installation
• Rolling basis: December 1 deadline for summer (April to October) installations; July 1 deadline for winter (October to April) installations

Eligibility

Artists must be over 18 years old. International applications welcome. Proposals encouraged from artists whose work engages the general public and the unique layout of Dumke Arts Plaza. Selection made by an advisory committee comprised of individuals from Weber State University, Ogden city, and the arts community.

Submission Requirements

• Resume/CV with links to website or social media accounts
• 500-word maximum biography
• Artist statement
• Images of two sculptures minimum OR video clip
• At least 3 images per artwork including title, year, medium, dimensions, weight, current location, and valuation for insurance purposes
• Installation plan explaining which sculptures would go on which pads (A, B, C, D)
• Maximum 1 submission per artist
• Images: min 2, max 20; Video: min 0, max 2; Total files: min 2, max 20

Contact

• Weber State University
• Email: andreaferber@weber.edu
• Phone: 314-707-7970