Artist Application

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PLEASE READ

Since 1997, the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS) has been the longest-running outdoor sculpture exhibition in Southern Vermont.

Rooted in grassroots tradition and a deep commitment to public art and accessibility, NBOSS invites you to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community of artists.

One application covers all exhibition sites

North Bennington

The Bennington Museum

Downtown Bennington

Have a sculpture, bold idea, or installation that can withstand the elements from June through November? Share it with us!

Important Dates

Applications Open: January 1 of every year

Applications Close: April 15

Artist Notification: Early May

Artists will be notified of their participation shortly after the application deadline. Installations will take place during the week leading up to the Opening Reception, held on the last Saturday in June from 4–8 PM at the Vermont Arts Exchange campus, located at 48 Main Street, North Bennington, VT.

We proudly encourage artists of all backgrounds—including Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ artists—to apply. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core value of NBOSS.

For more details about available installation sites and to submit your application, please click here.

Thank you for your support and for helping us continue this incredible tradition of art and community. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Warm regards,

The NBOSS Team

Large yellow sculpture resembling a No. 2 pencil in a yard, with people socializing in the background and trees in the distance.

FAQs

  • Our Open Call is for everyone! All visual artists over the age of 18 and from all artistic disciplines, regardless the medium and styles, are invited to apply.

    Images should be original artwork created by the artist.

    Each artist or collective can apply only one time, applications subsequent to the first will not be evaluated.

    All the submissions coming from other way than the following form will not be evaluated.

    Participation is free of charge. In case of selection, the artist is not obliged to participate, but can also refuse.

  • Fill out the form! We will follow up by email or phone with more information about installing your work!

    Sculptures should be suitable for long-term, outdoor exposure, fabricated and installed in a viewer safe manner, and of an appropriate outdoor scale. Sculptures which differ significantly from application images will need approval by NBOSS prior to installation.

    Feel free to start following our journey on social media @NbossVT on Instagram and Facebook!

  • Send your application!
    You will be asked to include the following:
    - Minimum 1 image of one of your sculpture. You must own the copyright.

    - Artwork information

    - Short biography

    - Artist statement

  • -Image should be in JPG or PNG format

    -Only the artwork should be visible, clear and in focus. Please crop out any background in the images or trademark

    -Images must be original work created by the artist, can be a work progress

    Please reach out by email if you have any questions: nbossvt@gmail.com

  • The following evaluation criteria will be used for judging the artwork: creativity, interpretation of the landscape, originality and quality of art, overall design, demonstration of artistic ability, and usage of medium.

    The judgement is final and unquestionable and is made by our internal curatorial team with the support of external experts.

    Sculptures should be suitable for long-term, outdoor exposure, fabricated and installed in a viewer safe manner, and of an appropriate outdoor scale. Sculptures which differ significantly from application images will need approval by NBOSS prior to installation.

    A shortlist of the selected artworks among all the applicants will be drawn up based on the quality of single entry as well as quality of overall artistic practice. The show curators select the installation site.

  • Will be announced soon. In 2024 we gave 4 artists prizes, a top price of $1000 and 3 artists received $500.

You’re Invited!

NBOSS 2025

Sculptures, Hotdogs & PBR since 1997

Saturday, June 28
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

48 Main Street, North Bennington, VT 05257

This event is accessible, free and open to the public.

Two women standing next to an art sculpture outdoors, with lush greenery in the background and additional abstract metal art visible. Photo taken through a foreground structure.
Man grilling hot dogs at a barbecue event under a tent, surrounded by people. He is wearing a blue cap and hoodie, holding tongs and a hot dog in a bun. A barbecue grill with more hot dogs and a table with supplies are visible.
Band performing outdoors under a tent with musicians playing upright bass, guitar, and banjo, wearing casual attire and hats. Microphones and speakers are set up on stage with a brick wall in the background.