REAL DUBUQUE NEWS (RDN)
Call for Proposals Now Open for Art on the River 2027-28
LOCAL NEWS WIRE • November 04, 2026
Sculptors can apply by Jan. 15, 2027 for the 21st exhibit along Dubuque's Mississippi Riverwalk.
KEY FACTS & RECORD HIGHLIGHTS
- 21st Art on the River exhibit; theme: "Tributaries"
- Exhibit runs August 2027 to July 2028 at the Port of Dubuque, along the Mississippi Riverwalk
- Up to 11 sculptural works will be selected; no application fee
- Artists may submit up to three works; separate application per artwork
- Online applications due 11:59 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 15, 2027 at cityofdubuque.org/AOTRapply
- Selected artists receive a $1,800 stipend per work; $1,000 Best in Show and $200 People's Choice prizes
- City coordinates sales and retains a 25 percent commission
- Program has featured 198 sculptures by 158 artists since inception
- Contact: Bonnie Spurling, [email protected], 563-690-6059
According to the City of Dubuque, the city is soliciting sculpture proposals for the 21st Art on the River public art exhibit, to be held along the Mississippi Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque from August 2027 through July 2028. The theme for the 2027-28 exhibit is "Tributaries." Up to 11 sculptural works will be selected. There is no fee to apply, and artists may submit up to three works, including completed works or works to be fabricated by the August 2027 installation dates. Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, at cityofdubuque.org/AOTRapply. Selected artists receive a $1,800 stipend for each work included in the exhibition, with additional cash prizes of $1,000 for Best in Show and $200 for People's Choice. The city coordinates all sales and retains a 25 percent commission of the retail price. Since the program began, it has featured 198 sculptures representing the work of 158 artists. Questions can be directed to Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager Bonnie Spurling at [email protected] or 563-690-6059.