EVENT LINK: https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/art4trails

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Art Proposals / Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center is seeking proposals for three temporary outdoor, site-specific art installations at three locations along the trails near downtown Rochester as part of the Art4Trails program. One proposal for each site will be selected and the artist will be awarded $3,000 per site.

Artwork will be installed between June 1 and June 20, 2026. Applications open October 1, 2025, and are due by November 15, 2025 at 11:45 pm (CST).

Rochester Park and Trail System

The Rochester trails provide a convenient way to do activities such as inline-skating, biking, running and walking – either for getting to work and back or simply for recreation and exercise. Rochester has 85+ miles of trails available for pedestrians, bikers, wheelchairs and strollers. Art4Trails site locations for temporary sculptures can be found here. They are:

• Silver Lake Park (by the old fire station)

• Slatterly Park

• River Landing (near the waterfall sculpture at the end of 3rd St SE)

Eligibility

Artists 18 years of age or older living in Minnesota and neighboring states are invited to submit proposals individually or collaboratively. Students who do not meet the age requirement can participate by having a teacher or guardian sponsor a proposal. Priority will be given to artists who have never been chosen to receive an Art4Trails award before. Artists who currently have sculptures installed on the trail are not eligible to participate this year. 

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be judged based on artistic merit as evidenced by representation of past work, the proposal itself, and other supporting materials. A selection committee consisting of working artists, curators, arts professionals and a representative of the Parks and Recreation Department will review and select proposals by December 15, 2025.

Link to application: https://forms.gle/xmss8iGBv1oWwbGK9

Map of installation sites: Click Here

Link to webpage for more information: https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/art4trails

Unveiling Event

An unveiling event is planned for June 2026.

About Rochester Art Center 

Rochester Art Center is a museum of contemporary art located along the Zumbro River in the heart of historic downtown Rochester, MN. Founded in 1946, the Art Center hosts an ongoing schedule of exhibitions of work by local, regional, national, and international artists; dynamic educational programs for all ages; and an array of community partnerships and visitor engagement initiatives. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Art Center presents a welcoming, integrated, and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity, and critical thinking.

CONTACT Kalianne Morrison, Advancement Director | kmorrison@rochesterartcenter.org