LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 250 Lex Commission is inviting professional and practicing artists residing in the United States to submit qualifications to propose a permanent, unique, 3D artwork in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the City of Lexington.
Mayor Linda Gorton recognized public art as an important part of the cultural, social and economic fabric of Lexington, and identified the commissioning of public art as a top priority for the celebration, which takes place in 2025.
“Lexington has a long history with the arts, and a new work of art in the heart of downtown for our city’s 250th anniversary provides a meaningful connection between our early identity as the ‘Athens of the West’ and the cultural legacy that we are building,” Gorton said.
A prominent outdoor site along Main Street in front of the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza is the selected site for the permanent artwork. This will be the largest work of public art ever commissioned by the City of Lexington.
Artists and design teams interested in this project can access the official request for qualifications (RFQ) on the 250 Lex Commission website. Artists must submit their qualifications through CAFÉ – Call For Entry. All interested and qualified applicants must submit qualifications by 11:59 p.m. MST – Mountain, Thursday, February 29 (in Lexington, 1:59 a.m. EST-Eastern, Friday, March 1).
“We all benefit through Mayor Gorton’s vision to include public art as a major initiative for Lexington’s 250th anniversary,” said Heather Lyons, Lexington Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. “Bringing art outside of traditional gallery spaces, and making it accessible to all, engages the community and invites everyone to experience it in new and different ways. This new art work will create a unique and iconic destination in downtown Lexington.”
A selection committee composed of City of Lexington personnel, artists, arts professionals, and other community stakeholders will review the credentials of professional, practicing artists and design teams that can demonstrate experience in successfully executing large-scale public sculpture projects. Entries not meeting requirements will not be considered.
Upon review of all qualified RFQs, three finalists will be invited to submit a proposal for the design of a site-specific public artwork. Finalist proposals should represent a unique commission in ample detail.
For more information, go to https://www.lexingtonky.gov/250lex.
