Detroit’s TCF Center issues artist call for sculptor

The TCF Center in Detroit, formerly known as Cobo Hall, is seeking a new addition to its impressive art collection. The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority Art Foundation, otherwise known as Art at TCF Center, has announced a call to artists for a large-scale, exterior sculpture. This aesthetic addition to the city’s landscape will reside in the middle of the circle drive at the main entrance of TCF Center on Washington Boulevard.

TCF Center Art Collection

The new piece will be the latest addition to a growing collection in and around the center that began when the building first opened in 1960. It now includes work by internationally respected artists such as Hubert Massey, Robert Sestok, Tyree Guyton, and Gilda Snowden. The aim of the public art collection is to showcase regional accomplishments, history, innovation, and culture.

Call for Sculptor

Artists interested in the latest competition are urged to consider the physical location. They should also factor material and size into their proposals. Three artists will be invited to create a maquette of their design, after which, one proposal will be awarded a budget of $250,000 to support its conceptualization, fabrication and installment. There will be an additional $50,000 awarded to the artist.

Artist Meeting

A mandatory meeting and tour is scheduled for all interested sculptors on Sunday March 1, 2020. Either the artist or the artist’s representative must be in attendance. For those unable to physically attend and with special permission, the meeting may be live streamed. Artists are asked to RSVP for the meeting no later than February 28.  A detailed information packet will be distributed in advance to all who RSVP. It will give each artist an opportunity to review the project specs before the required site visit.

The deadline for proposals is June 2. On July 15, the final three contenders will be announced. Each receives a $5,000 stipend to create the required maquette, which must be completed by September 1.

The winning selection will be announced on October 1, 2020. The competition is nationwide, but we are certainly hoping to see a Michigan artist create this long-lasting impression on Detroit.