One Columbia for Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Congaree Vista Guild, is accepting qualifications from professional artists and artist teams for a new public sculpture to be installed in the median of the 900 block of Senate Street in Columbia’s Congaree Vista district.
The selected artist will design, fabricate, and install a permanent sculpture that serves as a visual landmark along Senate Street. The artwork should be appropriate for a highly visible roadway setting and designed for long-term outdoor installation. Artists are encouraged to consider scale, visibility, safety, and durability in their designs.
The project has a budget of $18,000, which includes artist fees, design, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and insurance.
“This project is an opportunity to add another significant work of public art to Columbia while supporting artists and contributing to the continued growth of the Vista as an arts and cultural district,” said Pamela Zeljak, Public Art Administrator for One Columbia for Arts and Culture.
Professional visual artists and artist teams with experience creating public art or large-scale outdoor artwork are encouraged to apply. At this stage, applicants are asked to submit a statement of interest and a portfolio of up to six images of previous work. Concept proposals are not required with the initial submission.
Applications are available through CallForEntry.org (CaFÉ), an online application system for artists. Qualifications must be submitted by August 20, 2026.
A selection panel made up of representatives from One Columbia for Arts and Culture, the Congaree Vista Guild, community stakeholders, and local arts professionals will review qualifications. Three finalists will be selected to develop conceptual proposals and will each receive a $250 stipend.
Project Timeline
• RFQ Release: July 20, 2026
• Qualifications Deadline: August 20, 2026
• Finalists Announced: August 31, 2026
• Proposal Presentations: October 5–9, 2026
• Installation: April 2027
For additional information or a copy of the Request for Qualifications, contact: Pamela Zeljak, Public Art Administrator, One Columbia for Arts and Culture, pamela@onecolumbiasc.com or call 803-254-5008.
About One Columbia for Arts and Culture
One Columbia for Arts and Culture is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the arts in Columbia, South Carolina, through public art, artist development, and cultural programming.
About the Congaree Vista Guild
The Congaree Vista Guild is a nonprofit organization that works to support businesses, promote economic development, and enhance the Congaree Vista district through advocacy, marketing, and community partnerships.