CALL FOR ENTRIES: HILL CENTER GALLERIES 2025 INAUGURAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

About the Open Call

Sculptors living in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland are invited to participate in the inaugural Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in the gardens of Hill Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. All Artists who work in durable materials suited for long-term, outdoor display are welcome to apply. Hill Center (hillcenterdc.org), located in the Old Naval Hospital, is a vibrant center of community life, learning, and the arts. Since its opening in 2011, Hill Center Galleries has presented continuous rotating exhibits of wall hung artwork and is now delighted to present contemporary sculptures in its gardens. Five sculptures will be chosen for an outdoor exhibition to run from October 1, 2025, until March 27, 2026. Artists chosen for exhibition will receive an honorarium of $500 each. In addition, a Best in Show Prize of $1,000 will be awarded. Hill Center will retain a 30% commission on sales of sculptures. Hill Center’s insurance covers up to $150,000 in value. Selected artists will be responsible for delivering their ready-to-install works to the installation site on Hill Center’s grounds and for assisting in the installation under the supervision of Hill Center’s Sculpture Coordinator. Artists will also be responsible for assisting in the deinstallation and removal of their sculptures at the conclusion of the exhibition. All Sculptures must be designed to be low or no-maintenance, using durable materials suitable for long term outdoor display. Sculptures must be presented ready to be attached with mechanical fasteners to a 48” or 60” round concrete pad. Artists will work with the Sculpture Coordinator to determine if any modifications to the sculpture’s base are required before installation. A high voltage electric plug will be available at each sculpture pad. All artwork must not pose any risk of injury to the viewing public and will be safe for viewers of all ages. Hill Center’s schedule of programming every day of the week, as well as concerts, events and gatherings by other organizations and individuals, provide a robust stream of visitors to the site. The Juror for this exhibition is Mary Early.

What is Offered

An honorarium of $500 for each chosen artist, a Best in Show Prize of $1,000, and opportunity for sales with Hill Center retaining a 30% commission. Hill Center’s insurance covers up to $150,000 in value.

Requirements

Open to sculptors living in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. All Artists working in durable materials suited for long-term, outdoor display are welcome to apply. Sculptures must be low or no-maintenance and designed to be attached with mechanical fasteners to a 48” or 60” round concrete pad. Artwork must not pose any risk of injury to the viewing public and must be safe for viewers of all ages. Artists may submit up to 5 works, supported by photographs, renderings, or photo examples.

How to Apply

Artist Submissions through EntryThingy.com during the period of June 15-July 31, 2025. Artists are permitted to submit up to 5 works supported by photographs, or proposed works strongly supported with renderings or photo examples of previously completed works. Step-by-step instructions are available, and further assistance can be obtained by emailing galleries@hillcenterdc.org or calling (202) 549-4172.