Salisbury launches new public art competition with $10,000 prize. Here's how to enter

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read

Ready your paintbrushes, palette knives and sketch pads — it's time to get those creative juices flowing.

The application period for the city of Salisbury’s first-ever Salisbury Prize, a public art competition with a whopping $10,000 award, is now open.

New Salisbury Prize open to artists across Maryland

Jon Brick, 36, takes a break from being a full-time artist and art teacher in Baltimore to return to his roots in Salisbury, Maryland, and complete a painting at Mizzle Fest downtown on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. Brick, working for hours on the piece, said it was made to be donated.
Jon Brick, 36, takes a break from being a full-time artist and art teacher in Baltimore to return to his roots in Salisbury, Maryland, and complete a painting at Mizzle Fest downtown on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. Brick, working for hours on the piece, said it was made to be donated.

Maryland artists, architects and creative teams are invited to submit proposals for a public art project at the Riverwalk Games Park in downtown Salisbury for the 2024 Salisbury Prize. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, Feb. 29, at 5 p.m.

In addition to the $10,000 award, the winner will receive an additional stipend of up to $5,000 in reimbursement for materials, said the city in a Feb. 1 news release.

“The Salisbury Prize is an important step in growing public art in Salisbury, and we’re looking forward to having a new piece in the Riverwalk Games Park this year,” said Allen Swiger, director of the Arts, Business and Culture Department. “It’s also a great opportunity for local artists to come up with a creative project for the space and apply.”

This mural, called "The Kiss" was created by Stéphen Pekala Colles on a building on Salisbury's Downtown Plaza.
This mural, called "The Kiss" was created by Stéphen Pekala Colles on a building on Salisbury's Downtown Plaza.

ARTIST'S SALISBURY MURAL: Salisbury's newest mural celebrates its landmarks at one of its beloved eateries

According to the release, once submissions close, the city’s Technical Advisory Group will review the entries for feasibility. Then, the Public Art Committee will review the projects and recommend their top three proposals for community voting.

After the announcement of the winning design on May 1, the artist or group will have from June 1 to Dec. 1 to complete the public art project.

BIG PLANS FOR SALISBURY PLAZA: Salisbury Plaza will get 'new life' with new ownership: What to know about big plans

New contest part of Salisbury Public Art Master Plan

Paul Boyd III, works on a community-themed mural at the corner of East Church Street and Route 13 in Salisbury, Md. on Wednesday, July 11, 2019.
Paul Boyd III, works on a community-themed mural at the corner of East Church Street and Route 13 in Salisbury, Md. on Wednesday, July 11, 2019.

The Salisbury Prize follows last fall’s unveiling of the Salisbury Public Art Master Plan. Todd W. Bressi, a public art planning consultant, led the process, which included community input. This will be the first major initiative of the Public Art Committee, formed in 2023, the release stated.

“We are very excited to launch this public art competition,” said Susan Holt, chair of the Public Art Committee. “It will be the first of a series of unique and engaging artworks that will enhance our urban landscape and showcase great talent. The location is optimum, and we look forward to seeing a large and diverse pool of dynamic design proposals.”

THE FUTURE OF SALISBURY: What's in Salisbury's future? Public sounds off at first meeting on Comprehensive Plan.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Public art competition in Salisbury has $10,000 award. How to enter.