Mauldin Public Art Trail – call to South Carolina artists

2016 Public Art Trail selection – Palmetto with Flowers by Jamie von Herndon

The City of Mauldin’s Office of Cultural Affairs is seeking submissions for the 2017 Mauldin Public Art Trail installation at the Mauldin Cultural Center. This annual program seeks to beautify the community with public art displays created by South Carolina artists. This year’s theme will be “Appreciation of Diversity” in recognition of the diverse cultural groups that came through South Carolina in the past to create today’s diverse demographics. The work should highlight diversity in a positive and unifying manner.

The Public Art Trail lines the perimeter of the outdoor amphitheater at the Mauldin Cultural Center. A new work will be commissioned each year to fill the nine pre-approved sites along the perimeter. All nine sites will be filled within 10 years. For each year after the first 10 years, the oldest artwork will be replaced, resulting in a new slate of nine pieces of artwork every 10 years. Retired artworks will be relocated to other areas around the community.

The City has opened a Request for Qualifications and Application at www.mauldinculturalcenter.org for interested artists. Artists, and all members of their team if applicable, must be residents of South Carolina during the duration of the project. The deadline for submission is February 27. The selection committee will choose two finalists, who will then be asked to develop conceptual designs. The final artist will be selected by mid- to late-April and given no more than 12 months for project completion, but with a target of a mid-December installation. Total budget for the annual program is not to exceed $15,000 and must be inclusive of fabrication, artist fees, and installation.

The program is a partnership with the Mauldin Cultural Council, a nonprofit organization that supports the Office of Cultural Affairs. The Mauldin Cultural Council will lead the selection process with City input and present one artist and design for final approval.

Contact the Office of Cultural Affairs at (864) 335-4862 with any questions.