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

About the Open Call

The Hill Center Galleries are seeking sculptors from the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland for their first Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition to be held in the gardens of the Hill Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Five sculptures will be selected for display from October 1, 2025, to March 27, 2026. Artists chosen for exhibition will receive a $500 honorarium, and a Best in Show Prize of $1,000 will also be awarded. Hill Center will retain a 30% commission on any sculpture sales and offers insurance coverage up to $150,000 in value. Sculptures must be low or no-maintenance, constructed from durable materials suitable for long-term outdoor display, and designed for attachment to a 48” or 60” round concrete pad. Artists will be responsible for delivery, assisting with installation under supervision, and deinstallation/removal of their works. All artwork must be safe for public viewing. The exhibition site benefits from a robust stream of visitors due to Hill Center's daily programming, concerts, and events.

What is Offered

Artists chosen for exhibition will receive an honorarium of $500 each. 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

Open to sculptors living in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Artists must work in durable materials suited for long-term, outdoor display. Selected artists are responsible for delivering ready-to-install works, assisting in installation under supervision, and assisting in deinstallation and removal. Sculptures must be low or no-maintenance, designed to be attached with mechanical fasteners to a 48” or 60” round concrete pad (with potential base modifications in consultation with Sculpture Coordinator), and safe for viewers of all ages, posing no risk of injury. A high voltage electric plug will be available at each sculpture pad. Artists can submit up to 5 works, supported by photographs or renderings for proposed works.

How to Apply

Artists must submit entries through EntryThingy.com between June 15 and July 31, 2025. Up to 5 works, supported by photographs or renderings for proposed pieces, can be submitted. A $45 submission fee is required. Step-by-step instructions for EntryThingy are available, and assistance can be obtained by emailing galleries@hillcenterdc.org or calling (202) 549-4172 during business hours.