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Rolling Submissions
Big Art Loop invites artists to submit existing monumental sculptures (10 feet / 3 meters or taller) for consideration in upcoming public art installation. Our vision, in partnership with the Sijbrandij Foundation, is to place large-scale works across San Francisco over the next three years in collaboration with civic partners.
Submit your sculptural work for upcoming exhibition opportunities!
Eligibility: Open to all artists, regardless of background, experience level or location. We especially encourage artists from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Apply here.
Preview the Call for Art here. To apply, please submit your responses through our online form, button above.
Details
Artwork Requirements
Scale: Minimum 10 feet tall.
Condition: Exhibition-ready, structurally sound, suitable for outdoor public display. (Some refurbishment may be considered.)
Engineering: Must be engineered with stamped drawings/calculations ensuring public safety.
Installation: Artists provide specifications, equipment needs, and structural considerations. Please note that security may not be available during the duration of the exhibition.
Submission Guidelines
Images: High-resolution photos from multiple angles (day and night).
Description: Artist statement, dimensions, materials, year of creation.
Installation Details: Requirements and maintenance considerations.
Rental Cost: Baseline estimate (1–3 years).
Deadline: Rolling submissions, but time-sensitive as works are regularly presented to agency partners.
Please note: We will contact artists only if we identify a suitable placement opportunity. Please do not follow up via email.
Selection Process
Artworks are evaluated on:
Artistic excellence and cultural resonance.
Public space suitability.
Structural feasibility and safety.
Alignment with community and site goals.
We are not commissioning new works at this stage. This call is for existing sculptures only.
How We Select Art: Process Overview
Our approach is iterative, community-informed, technically rigorous, and site-driven. Every artwork we place must be impactful, safe, appropriate for its setting, and welcomed by its community.
Step 1: Identifying Locations & Partners
We identify underused civic spaces—parks, waterfronts, plazas, medians—and work directly with land-owning agencies (e.g., SF Rec & Parks, Port of SF, GGNRA).
Step 2: Site Feasibility
Each site undergoes engineering, infrastructure, and community-use review, as well as required approval protocols.
Step 3: Curatorial Matching
Submissions are matched with site parameters. If your work is shortlisted, we’ll confirm availability, scale, costs, and installation requirements.
Step 4: Partner & Agency Approvals
We bring forward a shortlist of works for agency and community review (Arts Commission Civic Design Review, SF Port Commission, etc.).
Step 5: Permitting & Licensing
Includes coordination with Fire Department, ADA compliance, Public Works, and local community groups.
Step 6: Installation
Building 180 manages logistics, transport, engineering, and on-site coordination with the artist. Each installation is treated as a civic celebration.
Important Note: The Sijbrandij Foundation does not review portfolios or liaise with artists directly. Building 180 serves as the primary liaison, managing all curatorial and production processes.
How to apply
Please submit the required materials via this form. Please note that we will only get in touch with you should we find a suitable placement opportunity.