We The People: Sculptural Reflections on Independence, Identity and Community celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Bethel Arts, (BA) is now accepting submissions from qualified regional sculptors to participate in the 2026 – 2027 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. The location of the exhibition will be in downtown Bethel on pre-installed concrete pads on the lawn of the Municipal Center and the Bethel Public Library.
In conjunction with the 250th commemoration of our country’s founding, this exhibit invites personal and creative reflections on the ideas of independence, identity and community. Participants are encouraged to focus on individual, cultural, or creative interpretations rather than political or partisan commentary. Our goal is to foster a space for dialogue and artistic expression that welcomes everyone.
We are eager for you to interpret this theme as broadly as you like, exploring each or all of “Independence”, “Identity” and “Community” in a three-dimensional interpretation.
All work entered must be freestanding and suitable for long-term outdoor public display within the space provided. The durability of the work and safety of the public will be a consideration for selection.
Artists should consider a broad range of potential sculptures. BA is looking for diverse, sculpture in material and style. The list below provides some thoughts / frameworks to consider.
- Subject of the sculpture is related to the 250th anniversary of the formation of the USA
- All sculpture submissions should not reflect any political bias
- Use of sustainable materials / practices in the creation of the piece..
BETHEL 2026 – 2027 OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION GUIDELINES
The Bethel Arts Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition is open to all applicants 18 and older. All entries must be original work and of safe design and construction. Acceptable entries may be existing works or detailed sculpture proposals. The selected works are to be on display in Bethel from April 2026 to April 2027.
Suitable work ready for outdoor installation must be:
- Able to be structurally secured to a 5×5 concrete pad with 3/8 to ½-inch anchor bolts. – capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions, high winds, extreme summer heat, and freezing conditions,
- Maintenance free for the duration of the exhibition,
- Safe for the general public – no sharp edges, no climbing hazards, no breakable or bendable components, of a height that would not create a balance hazard etc.
Works judged as unsuitable will not be considered for the exhibition.
Click here to review the 2025 -2026 sculpture exhibit
Each artist selected for the exhibition will receive a $1,000 honorarium to cover transportation, installation and de-installation of the sculpture, and all other expenses involved. Any costs over $1,000 are entirely the responsibility of the artist.
Artists are responsible for the delivery, installation, and removal of the artwork according to the timeline agreed upon with Bethel Arts. Bethel Arts will provide limited assistance and supervision of the installation and de-installation of artwork. Sculptures must be installed no later than April 2026 and removed by April 2027. Any sculpture that cannot meet the scheduled installation and de-installation dates will be disqualified and an alternate piece will be chosen.
Artists may sell the exhibiting artwork during the exhibition period. BA stipulates a 25% commission on all sales of exhibited artwork.
An online brochure and catalog will be produced to promote the exhibition and the exhibited artists.
