The Lawrence Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition is back for the 2023 season

The City of Lawrence is excited to announce that the 33rd annual Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition is coming back in 2023 after a period of hibernation due to Covid-19.

The Lawrence Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition (ODSE) is in its 33rd year – can you believe it?! The ODSE was founded by local sculptor and executive director of the Kansas Sculptors Association Jim Patti in 1988 to provide an opportunity for area sculptors to showcase their work in various locations in downtown Lawrence.

The ODSE is now sponsored by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) and receives financial and staff support from the City of Lawrence. To see what the most recent Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition looked like, see our 2019 event brochure here.

What are the criteria for submissions?

The LCAC is seeking artists and/or teams wishing to be considered to develop work for this temporary, one-year long public art exhibition program.

Works that explore an expanded, ephemeral notion of art in the public realm are strongly encouraged. This might include:

• Performance, Music, Spoken Word
• Interactive
• Socially Inspired
• Temporary Installations
• Dance
• Video Projections
• or other Innovative Approaches

For more information, see the 2023 Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition Call for Artists.

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in applying, we encourage you: Don’t wait!
The application window closes at midnight on Saturday, December 17th. 

Fill out the online application here.

Abby Bush-Wilder, Communications and Special Events Coordinator
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Marketing Division
City staff liaison to Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission
parksrec@lawrenceks.org 
785-832-3460