Arts Services Inc. of Western New York (ASI), on behalf of Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera’s Office and in partnership with the River Rock Community Coalition, invites experienced sculptors, sculptural fabricators, or artist groups to submit proposals for a permanent large-scale outdoor sculpture at the LoveU Buffalo Art Park in Buffalo’s historic Black Rock neighborhood.

The selected artist or artist team will design and fabricate a signature sculpture that will serve as the focal point of the park. The work should reflect the resilience of the Black Rock community and align with the park’s mission to promote healing, hope, and empowerment through the arts. Artists are asked to propose a phoenix-inspired design that symbolizes renewal and the power to rise from adversity.

This opportunity prioritizes artists living in Western New York’s five counties (Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua) and is open to experienced sculptors and sculptural fabricators. Artists may apply individually or as collaborative teams.

Project at a Glance

  • Location: LoveU Buffalo Art Park, 99 Thompson Street, Buffalo, NY
  • Artwork Type: Permanent outdoor sculpture
  • Dimensions: Maximum width: 6′, Maximum depth: 6′, Maximum height: 7′
  • Materials: Preference will be given to metal and other durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for year-round outdoor installation in Buffalo’s climate.
  • Budget: $20,000 (inclusive of artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, and installation)
  • Project Context: The sculpture will act as a visual and symbolic anchor within the LoveU Buffalo Art Park, a developing public green space envisioned to include murals, a rock garden, and gathering areas that encourage visitors to linger, reflect, and connect.

Read the complete Call for Artists here.

Key Dates

 

  • Call Opens: Monday, March 16, 2026

  • Deadline to Submit: Friday, May 1, 2026 by 5:00 pm
  • Panel Review & Selection Meetings: May 2026
  • Public Announcement of Selection: Early June 2026
  • Project Design, Fabrication, & Installation: June – August 2026
  • Project Completion: Early Fall 2026

Submission Details

Artists must submit proposals electronically through an online submission form, which collects contact information and proposal details. Within the form, applicants will upload a single PDF document that includes:

  • A written description of the proposed sculpture, including materials and approximate dimensions
  • Concept sketches or visual references
  • A proposed installation approach
  • A detailed project budget including artist fees, fabrication costs, materials, transportation, and installation
  • Optional interpretive signage information (if included in the proposal)
  • Examples or links to past work

Preference will be given to artists living in Western New York. Artists who currently live outside the region may still apply but will be asked to describe their connection to Western New York or what makes them an appropriate artist for the project.

 

 

Questions & Site Visits

  • Questions about the call for work, application requirements, or submission process may be directed to [email protected] or (716) 833-3004 x.515.
  • Artists interested in visiting the future park site or learning more about the space may contact George Fitzpatrick, President of the River Rock Community Coalition, at [email protected]
  • PLEASE NOTE: The future home of the park is currently on private property but can be respectfully viewed from the public right-of-way at 99 Thompson Street, Buffalo, NY.

Site Photos