shape of community 2026

"Our History Makes our Future.” 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION  
The City’s many public parks became of a primary focus of the Art and Culture Plan, because of their beauty and popularity within the community. The Shape of Community sculpture series makes use of these beautiful parks and other communal public spaces by providing opportunities for people to experience art and culture as part of their everyday lives: while exploring a hiking trail, going to the gym and pool, attending a community meeting, or taking the kids to soccer practice. 

The Shape of Community sculpture series is a citywide, temporary sculpture show, featuring large-scale works of art in prominent areas throughout the city, loaned by artists for an 18-22 months. (Dependent on the cycle year) Viewers will be invited to vote for their favorite sculptures from the collection and the top voted artists will be recognized. Artists will receive $4,000 for the loan and selected works will be included in various events, lectures, and community programming, and in marketing materials, both digital and print.   

PROJECT GOALS  

• The goals for The Shape of Community sculpture series are to:

• Enliven and enhance O’Fallon’s public spaces and gathering places.

• Encourage exploration of the City and tie different corners of the community together through a single exhibition.

• Engage residents and visitors by expanding cultural opportunities and inspiring interaction with art.

• Represent the O’Fallon spirit of healthy living and family fun.

• Complement and enhance the visual appearance of the location.

• Provide a venue for sculptors that is unique in the region.

• Create a sense of welcome to O’Fallon and to its destinations.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES  
Selected artists will be expected to:  

• Agree to loan the artwork to the City of O’Fallon and have the artwork remain on display for the duration of the exhibit.

• Provide hardware where needed, special installation instructions, including detailed information related to the anchoring method and a detailed sculpture description.

• Deliver selected sculpture to site on pre-determined dates and times. Artist or representative must be present during installation. Missed delivery times will result in a fine or disqualification.

• Insure the artwork for property loss during the length of exhibition.

• Provide marketing information as requested.

• Transport artwork from site once the duration of the exhibit has ended.

• Artists are also invited to attend an opening reception event at the start of the exhibition. Interested artists may be asked to speak at community lectures or tours.

CITY OF O’FALLON’S RESPONSIBILITIES  
The City of O’Fallon will:  

• Compensate artist for loan of artwork at agreed cost and length and by agreed payment schedule.

• Create concrete pads for display, if needed.

• Install the work according to instructions provided by the artist.

• Provide liability insurance.

• Provide signage and marketing for sculpture series.

• De-install work at close of series.