Want your artwork to be featured on El Paseo like these pieces? Now is the time to submit an entry.
The city is accepting applications through Jan. 29 for artists to participate in the 2027-2028 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition, a biennial showcase featuring 18 large-scale sculptures along the shopping district's center median.
Selected works will be displayed for two years between Highway 74 and Portola Avenue, viewed by thousands of residents and visitors who frequent the area for shopping, dining and events.
Each selected artist will receive a $6,000 honorarium paid in two installments: $5,000 upon installation and $1,000 upon removal. The honorarium is intended to offset costs related to transportation, fabrication and delivery.
The city covers all expenses for installation, lighting, maintenance, insurance and promotion during the exhibition. The city also provides dedicated exhibition signage and a virtual tour for each participating artist.
The exhibition is open to all U.S.-based artists, galleries, museums and nonprofit arts organizations. International submissions will not be accepted due to logistical constraints.
Sculptures must be original, suitable for outdoor display and able to withstand desert environmental conditions including high winds, intense sun and extreme temperatures. Works must have a minimum height of 8 feet and a maximum height of 13 feet, with a maximum weight of 3,000 pounds.
Most installation pads measure 8 feet by 8 feet with a usable footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet. One pad measures 8 feet by 25 feet and is suited for larger or multi-part works.
Applicants must submit a current resume, up to five images of the proposed sculpture, a description including title, materials, dimensions and installation details, and three professional references. Artists may submit up to 10 applications.
The jury process will run from Jan. 29 through April 13. Interested artists can complete the application here. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 760-776-6346.