Frequently Asked Questions

Ron Fondaw

Photo: Ron Fondaw working on “Perspective is Everything”
from SKW 2006. Photo by Karley Klopfenstein

For Artists:

How do I apply for the exhibition?  Download the Prospectus, Proposal Form and Proposal Guidelines.  Review the 3 page application carefully, and return the completed signed Artist Proposal Form (including all requested materials), and signed Proposal Guidelines with your drawing or maquette to:
Sculpture Key West, PO Box 1058, Key West, FL 33041. 

How are the works selected?  Your application will first be reviewed by our Executive Director,  to ensure that your proposal is complete.  Incomplete proposals will not be reviewed by the jury, so please read, fill out your proposal application carefully and submit all requested materials.  The 2011 jury will consist of five individuals:  Head juror Lilly Wei,  guest juror Claudio Cannizzaro and 3 members of SKW’s curatorial team.

How does the jury process work? The jury will convene Saturday, Nov. 13.  Once the jurors have toured all exhibition venues, proposal images will be reviewed by projection onto a large screen. All jury members will have access to all complete submitted proposals.  Proposals will be scored according to the quality of the proposal, the appropriateness to the site(s), the proposal applicant’s past completed work and exhibition history.  The applications are then ranked in order of score.  The jury makes the final determination of who is in the exhibition and how many works are accepted.  

How should I submit my application?   We prefer complete submissions sent to:  Sculpture Key West, PO Box 1058, Key West, FL  33040.  You can also send via FedEx or UPS to:  Vera Vasek, Sculpture Key West, 317 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: 305-295-3800.  If you must send your proposal by digital version, you can email your signed and completed proposal package with required digital attachments to: submissions@sculpturekeywest.org, but keep in mind that SKW must receive your required drawing or maquette in order for your proposal application to be considered complete.   The postmark deadline for all post submissions is on or before Oct. 1, 2010.    

Are there funds available for artists?  Yes, each accepted artist will receive a $300 honorarium according to the terms listed in the prospectus.  SKW does offer limited artist assistance on a case by case basis.   Installation and De-installation week lodging will  be provided by SKW.

What kind of sculpture is appropriate for the exhibition? Site-specific works are highly suggested:  Our 3 venues provide  a variety of unique sites, such as beaches, shady tree areas, large open fields, shallow ponds, historic brick ruins.  Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is well suited to large-scale sculpture.  The West Martello sites offer unique architecture and indoor spaces and have access to electricity. The Botanical has a large shallow pond and many outdoor sites, some with electricity.  None of the venues are regularly open at night, with the exception of special events. For more information, please view the About The Venues page.

Is there a maximum or minimum size requirement? No. However, sculptures that are very small, or have small removable parts (i.e. something that someone could easily walk away with) are not recommended. We recommend securing lightweight pieces to the ground with stakes, or by pouring concrete slabs. For very large (over 80 feet in any direction) or heavy sculptures (over 10 tons), please contact us to discuss arrangements.

What materials are acceptable? All media will be considered, but please keep in mind the tropical setting. Rain, tropical sun, salt air and sometimes extremely high winds are all normal at this time of year. It is NOT hurricane season in Key West. The West Martello offers some protection from the wind and rain, but areas are not climate controlled.

What kind of security is provided? All venues are enclosed and locked at night. During the day, park rangers and volunteers do low-key patrolling of the entire site. Vandalism occurs rarely, but keep in mind that visitors may sometimes interact with your work—we can provide “Do not Touch” signs when appropriate.

Can I have a shipper deliver my work at the site?  You can arrange for shipping deliveries any time during installation week. You must submit all delivery information to us before arrival: shipper, shipping code, date of delivery, items in shipment.

How do I arrange for return shipping? You are responsible for the removal of the artwork during de-installation. A professional art crater is available for hire. You will have to make arrangements for a shipper to pick up during regular open hours of the venue.  Any sculpture remaining on venue grounds after the exhibition ends will be moved and put into storage. The artist may be charged a daily storage fee. SKW is not responsible for any damage that may occur during the moving and storage process.  If you do not make arrangements for your piece at the end of the show, SKW cannot take responsibility for the piece.

My sculpture will need periodic attention. Can I hire someone to maintain my sculpture during the exhibition? Yes, we can put you in touch with a volunteer who will maintain your sculpture if necessary during the exhibition. You can negotiate the fee directly with this person.

What kind of publicity and promotion does Sculpture Key West plan?  Large color advertisements will be placed in Sculpture Magazine, Art News and Art in America.  Local promotion will be extensive to insure the maximum attendance during the exhibition. A full-color catalog will be produced for the show and will be available in May, 2011.

What kind of press coverage is anticipated? We anticipate reviews and articles in various newspapers and magazines. A national press release will be issued by a professional media agency. SKW will send out press releases throughout the duration of the exhibition.  SKW will invite writers to cover and review the exhibition.

How are works sited? For site-specific pieces, the sculpture determines the placement. We are open to suggestions by the artist. The site coordination team determines the final placement of all artworks. 

Is there electricity at the site? Water? Once works are accepted into the 2011 exhibition, the SKW curatorial team will make all necessary arrangements for water, generators (if needed), etc.  

Can I place my sculpture on sale?  Yes, all works on view have a “For Sale” option. You must let us know your selling price on your proposal submission form.  

Does Sculpture Key West take a commission on the sale of the sculpture? All sales are handled through Sculpture Key West. The purchase price of the sculpture is not negotiable. The artist receives 70% of the purchase price. Sculpture Key West takes a 30% commission on all sales. Sculpture Key West will collect and remit all taxes as required by law..