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. Located in the Old Naval Hospital (commissioned by President Lincoln and opened in 1866), Hill Center (hillcenterdc.org) is now 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 throughout the year 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. 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 in the building and on the grounds, provide a robust stream of visitors to the site.

What is Offered

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.

Requirements

Sculptors living in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland are invited. All Artists who work in durable materials suited for long-term, outdoor display are welcome to apply. 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. All artwork must not pose any risk of injury to the viewing public and will be safe for viewers of all ages. Artists are permitted to submit up to 5 works supported by photographs, or proposed works that are strongly supported with renderings or photo examples of other previously completed works.

How to Apply

Artist Submissions through EntryThingy.com from June 15-July 31, 2025. Log into or create an account with EntryThingy to begin. Artists are permitted to submit up to 5 works supported by photographs, or proposed works that are strongly supported with renderings or photo examples of other previously completed works. For assistance, email galleries@hillcenterdc.org or call (202) 549-4172.