Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition 2026 WORLD CUP 2026!

2026 Call for Artists/Teams Celebrate the Spirit of Soccer/Fútbol in Lawrence!

The City of Lawrence and the Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) are pleased to announce an open call for local and regional artists (within 50 miles of Lawrence, KS) to apply to participate in the 2026 temporary Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition (UPAE).

Formerly known as the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition (ODSE), this annual event has been a beacon for artists since its inception in 1988. The exhibition is sponsored by the City of Lawrence and overseen by the Cultural Arts Commission.

Celebrate the Spirit of Soccer/Fútbol in Lawrence!

Next year, the global spotlight will turn to the United States, Kansas City, and Lawrence as we co-host the 2026 World Cup in June and early July. The City of Lawrence invites artists and artist teams to be part of this once-in-a-generation moment.

The 2026 program is adapted for area artists to create new public artwork for World Cup 2026! Let your creativity take the field — and help Lawrence honor the world’s game through the power of public art.

For the UPAE, we are seeking proposals for new temporary public artworks that celebrate the beauty, passion, culture, and community of soccer/fútbol. Selected works will be installed around Lawrence for residents, visitors, and international visitors to enjoy during this historic celebration.

We welcome creative interpretations of the game from individual artists or teams in all its dimensions: the flow and strategy of play, the fierce devotion of fans, the stories of teams and players, the symbolism of movement and competition, the physical elements (ball, pitch, goal posts, uniforms, cleats/boots, etc.), and the deeper themes of identity, justice, resilience, and global unity.

Whether abstract or figurative, playful or profound, your work can explore the physicality, spirit, and culture of soccer/fútbol in ways that resonate with audiences from around the world.

Artists and Teams are encouraged to:

• Reflect on soccer/fútbol’s global significance and local impact
• Respond to the intersections of sport, art, and society
• Celebrate the sense of connection and belonging that the game inspires
• Propose new temporary public artwork that is engaging, durable, and accessible in a public outdoor setting

Details:

• Exhibition Dates: May 2026 – May 2027
• Awards: $3,500 stipend for each selected work
• Panel: Applications reviewed and selected by the Cultural Arts Commission
• Entry Deadline: 11:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025

Criteria and Specifications for Selection:

This call is seeking artists and/or creative teams to develop new work for this temporary, one-year-long public art exhibition. Works may include:

• Natural/Sustainable artworks: Ephemeral works made from natural materials for display at Prairie Park
• Interactive: Engage the audience with interactive art installations
• Architectural: Explore the intersections of art and architecture
• Performance, Music, Spoken Word: Share talents through live performances and spoken word
• Video/Tech: Utilize multimedia to captivate the audience
• Other Innovative Approaches: Challenge traditional boundaries with unique visions

All physical work must be engineered for outdoor display for at least one year, weather-resistant, vandal-proof, and safe for public interaction in high-traffic areas. Works must avoid sharp edges or fragile components.
Sites are available for ground-mounted works, which must be designed to be securely installed.
Artists will collaborate with City staff and project partners for site determination and installation to ensure public safety.

Eligibility:

Open to all artists 18 years of age or older residing within 50 miles of Lawrence, KS. All entries must be original concept proposals.

Entry Deadline: 11:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025

The online application form is available here:

https://lawrenceks.gov/lprd/odse/
.

Important Note:

Selected artists will be expected to have their works ready and installed by Friday, May 15, 2026,
prior to the opening reception on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Please consider this schedule before submitting your application.

Entry/Procedure RFQ:

Artists may enter written concept proposals with sketches for consideration. Entrants should also submit images of past work,
a biographical paragraph, and a brief artist statement. Apply using the online form
here.

For assistance, contact:
Porter Arneill, Assistant Parks, Recreation, and Culture Director
parneill@lawrenceks.org |
785-832-3449

Delivery and Return of Artwork:

Artists are responsible for delivering and installing their works in coordination with PRC staff, as well as arranging return shipping.
All accepted works must be installed by Friday, May 15, 2026.
Artists must retrieve their works by Friday, May 8, 2027.

Other Responsibilities:

Selected artists must sign a loan agreement in which they agree to: 1) permit the City of Lawrence to install the artwork; 2) promise that the artwork will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition and 3) recognize that, in the interest of public safety and community priority, the City has the right to remove damaged sculpture and sculptures or artworks that pose a safety threat unless promptly and satisfactorily repaired by the artist.

For more information, contact:
Porter Arneill, Assistant Parks, Recreation, and Culture Director
parneill@lawrenceks.org |
785-832-3449