2026 Artist Open Call
Residencies & Fellowships at Franconia Sculpture Park
Celebrating its 30th birthday in 2026, Franconia Sculpture Park renews its annual open opportunities for artists to bring their big ideas to life in sculpture that lives at least two years on-site, adding to the more than one hundred temporary sculptures and 50 acres of naturally-maintained Minnesota landscapes open daily to the public.
Applications are due at 11:59PM on Sunday, June 28, with selected artists announced on July 4, and work expected to be completed by Franconia’s 30th birthday Art & Artists Symposium on Saturday, September 26.
All Franconia Artists-in-Residence receive:
- Access to Franconia’s Work Pad: tool sheds, welders, large gantries, outdoor workspace. Residents have access to a bobcat/skidsteer and 16’ crane truck, in addition to Franconia’s used pickup and large forklift.
- NEW! Each artist-in-residence will be provided a $1000 materials stipend in addition to the increased Fellowship awards.
- Free accommodation in Franconia’s Artist Residence: private bedroom, two kitchen areas, office, shared bathrooms & laundry, great wifi.
- Support from Franconia’s Site Council during fabrication and installation, which this year includes Teaching Artist-in-Residence partnering organization Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.
- Inclusion in the 2026 Art & Artists Symposium on September 26, as well as the International Sculpture Center Conference event at Franconia on Saturday, October 24.
- Features in print and online media, such as Franconia’s website and annual report, as well as enduring recognition during the lifespan of the sculpture.
- Respect. Led by and supported by artists, Franconia strives to set a high level of discourse that amplifies the lifelong impact for artists and art-lovers
Emerging Artist Fellowship
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$6,000 award
- $1000 materials stipend
- Assistance from Teaching Artist & Artist Intern
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4–6 week residency (July –Sept)
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Learn and create in an immersive setting
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For early-career artists
- 4 Opportunities awarded
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Four emerging artists will be selected to create new sculptures at Franconia this summer. Residencies must occur between July 28 – September 20, 2025, with 4-5 weeks expected on-site. The artists will be expected to complete a sculpture that lives for at least two years here, exposed to thousands of visitors as well as Minnesota’s harsh climate. Artists will have the assistance of Franconia’s Site Council in the design, creation, and installation of their work, however the artist is primarily responsible at all project stages.
This residency program is centered around giving new opportunities to people exploring sculpture in their development as an artist. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in creating art, however no prior public sculpture experience is necessary. Applicants are encouraged to give a realistic picture of their skills and experience, knowing that this residency is ideally a learning opportunity for those relatively new to outdoor public art. Each Emerging Artist will be awarded a $6000 fellowship to support their residency.
Midcareer Artist Fellowship
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$12,000 award
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8–12 week on-site residency (July–Sept)
- $1000 material stipend
- Assistance from Teaching Artist & Artist Intern
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Sculpture for long-term display
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Symposium participation
- 1 Opportunity awarded
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One Midcareer Artist Fellowship will be awarded in summer 2026. This artist will be expected to live on-site for approximately 8-12 weeks during July-September. This amount of time is intended to give the artist opportunities to explore the vibrant region, feel connections to the land and communities Franconia touches, and complete an outdoor sculpture that will endure at least two planetary revolutions around the sun. The artist will receive a $12,000 award from Franconia Sculpture Park and may request additional support as needed.
Midcareer artist-applicants should demonstrate experience in public art and audience engagement, and share in their application how the Fellowship at Franconia will assist them in taking new steps in their career journey. The Midcareer artist will be featured in the September 26 Symposium (attendance required, format to be determined) with the expectation that their sculpture is completed by that time.
Important Application Information
Timeline
- Open Call Launch, June 8
- Open Call Deadline, June 28, 11:59PM
- Site & Artistic Council Review: week of June 29
- Awards Announced, July 4
- Residencies: July – Late September
- *Deadline for Public Unveiling, Art & Artists Symposium, September 26
- +International Sculpture Center Conference Event, October 24
*Any Artist-in-Residence not complete by 9/26 must present work in-progress on 9/26.
+Residents will forfeit their award if not complete by 10/24, unless a return plan is approved by Franconia’s Executive Director.
Selection Process
Franconia’s Open Call is based in our community and mission. Franconia’s Artistic Council makes final applicant selections. This body’s members come from Franconia’s annual Artist in Leadership cohort, as well as an equal number of members of its Board of Directors, and is facilitated by the Executive Director. Franconia’s Site Council will also review and provide feedback on proposals as they relate to Franconia’s capacities: equipment, construction, environment, and experience.
Application Overview
- 1-page Artist Statement (or 2-minute video), including desired outcomes at Franconia
- 1-2 page Resume
- 1-2 page Proposal, including a list of materials and projected budget
- 5-10 portfolio images
2025 Theme
Each year, the park’s curatorial theme draws attention to contemporary forces. In the Freedom and Revolution announcement, Executive Director and Army Veteran Alex Legeros says, “Being creative means being free. Artists have long been the ones who get us to see the world differently, and at Franconia we have over 100 examples of what happens when an artist is given the freedom to pursue their dreams. When I think of the logic behind what Franconia does, it’s this: we invite artists to catch your eye, make connections, and you leave seeing your world—your home, your choices, your future—differently. It’s a revolution, and it’s very cool.”
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply.
Artists who have previously exhibited at or participated in a residency at Franconia are welcome and encouraged to apply again.
About Franconia Sculpture Park
Founded in 1996, Franconia Sculpture Park is the Midwest’s pre-eminent, artist-centered sculpture park. Franconia’s mission is to foster an inclusive community to create and contemplate contemporary art inspired by nature and our ever-evolving world. Located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley of Minnesota, Franconia operates a 50-acre outdoor museum, an active artist residency program, and an impressive schedule of more than 60 public programs each year. We cultivate critical dialogue between artists and audiences; support artists through producing and presenting new, experimental work; and educate artists and audiences of tomorrow. We create programming that is responsive to the wants and needs of artists, and our rural community. Franconia focuses on providing space for underrepresented voices to be heard, leading to the diverse collection of work on display at the park. It is imperative to present these voices in rural Minnesota, and Franconia is able to do so free and open daily to the public.
Funding for Franconia’s Artist Residency Program is supported, in part, by RBC Wealth Management, Sustainable Arts Foundation, Windgate Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and by individual patrons like you.
Accessibility Statement for Artists
In the case that an individual artist with a disability requires ADA accommodations to perform job duties at Franconia Sculpture Park appropriate accommodation and adjustments will be made to the job and work environment to allow the individual to perform job duties.
Franconia complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, Franconia will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create a undue hardship. If you believe you need an accommodation, refer any such request to the Executive Director. Franconia will also, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s religious beliefs or practices.
Location
29836 St. Croix Trail
Shafer, MN 55074
Franconia Sculpture Park resides on the ancestral Dakota lands of the Wahpekute in Mni Sota Makoce, along the St. Croix River which also holds significance by the Ojibwe and other Native peoples. We recognize, support and advocate for all Native nations and will actively center Native voices in our work.
Hours
The grounds of Franconia Sculpture Park are open 365 days a year from 8am-8pm.
The Franconia Commons building is open:
May 4 – Nov. 14:
Everyday, 10am-5pm
Nov. 15 – May 3: Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Closed on National Holidays
