Description

Gateway Foundation is seeking experienced artists and artist teams to transform a dying locust tree located in Citygarden into a sculpture which is inspired by its place in the park. The approach can be additive and/or subtractive. Work on the tree sculptures must be done between the beginning of May and the end of August. A Stipend of $3,500 will be paid upon completion of the locust tree sculpture. Application deadline: March 12, 2026 at 11:59PM This project draws inspiration from the Chicago Tree Project operated by the Chicago Sculpture International and Chicago Park District. This project was inspired by the Chicago Sculpture International. We extend our sincere gratitude for their insights and willingness to lend to this project coming together in St. Louis. Projects completed over the last decade by this group of artists may be viewed at www.chicagotreeproject.org. Citygarden Locust: 14ft Height and 17.2” Diameter. Please note all limbs longer than 6ft will be trimmed by the Foundation prior to work.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Artists and/or artists teams must submit a completed application to the Gateway Foundation which includes all of the below components. To submit an application, artists and/or artists teams should email all requested documents to info@gateway-foundation.org with email subject: “Citygarden Locust Tree Sculpture Submission” Artist(s) Profile and Portfolio Artists/Artist team eligibility: artists and/or artists teams who are able to demonstrate a portfolio of work which may translate to the creation of a tree sculpture; artists and/or artists teams who are all at or above the age of 18; and artists and/or artists teams who reside within the St. Louis Metro area. This project is not a residency. Applications from Out-of-town artists will be accepted; however, artists are expected to find lodging while working in St. Louis. Artists who will be installing sculptural elements in their trees must find their own workspace in St. Louis if these elements are not fabricated before work on the tree begins. Profile: Each Artist must share a Profile Document which contains all of the following: Full Name; Residence, Current Address (if different); Email; Phone Number; and Brief Biography which overviews your qualifications to this work (300 words). Portfolio: Each Artist must submit a digital portfolio, this may be shared via a link to a curated selection of works or with attached images. Please send images as jpegs (sized 5" x 8", 150 DPI, 500k or less), and indicate the file name in the following format: “ARTIST NAME. PIECE TITLE” Along with this portfolio, please provide descriptions of the selected works explaining their relevance to this project. Concept Artists and/or artists teams must submit one concept which addresses the below inspiration. Concept Inspiration: Citygarden is created from three distinct tracts, designed to represent the region’s geographic features: The River Bluffs, The Floodplain, The River Terrace. The Locust tree is located within the Southern River Terrace. The sculpture should take from its surroundings in this band of the park while also inviting visitors to: Explore, Play and Be Inspired. Please submit concepts in the following format: Single PDF document labeled “ARTIST NAME. LOCUST SCULPTURE CONCEPT” Included in this PDF file must be multiple sketches which show the piece from different angles and a description of your proposed project (300 words).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Commission Parameters Your approach will not compromise the integrity of the tree. The objects created will not help people to climb the tree, will not detach from the tree once adhered, and will not require maintenance. The created art work should be designed to be viewed from the ground on a non-interactive basis. Gateway Foundation will provide both scaffolding and site enclosure for the duration of the installation, as determined in the commission agreement between the Foundation and the awarded artist(s). Due to the nature of the tree, the Foundation reserves the right to remove it at their discretion. Insurance Coverage Awarded artists must carry the following type of insurance with the specified coverage amounts prior to commencement of insurance. Commercial General Liability Insurance (Primary and Umbrella) on an occurrence basis with limits not less than $1,000,000 single limit per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. The Gateway Foundation is to be named as an Additional Insured on a Primary, non-contributory basis.

Attachment