Call for Artists: Springfield 66 Centennial Sculpture Series
springfield66.com/call-for-artists/
Help shape Springfield’s artistic legacy and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Springfield, Missouri, being the Birthplace of Route 66 — right where it all began.
The Springfield 66 Centennial Sculpture Series invites artists to submit proposals for the design and decoration of oversized Route 66 shield sculptures that will be displayed throughout Springfield and the greater Ozarks region starting in Spring 2026.
Project Overview:
In celebration of Route 66’s centennial and Springfield’s distinction as its birthplace, the city is launching a citywide sculpture series featuring uniquely designed Route 66 shield sculptures. Each sculpture will be transformed by a different artist, telling a story of community, heritage, and imagination.
These sculptures will be publicly displayed in a variety of prominent and culturally rich locations to create a self-guided art trail, encouraging exploration, tourism, and local pride.
Artist Opportunity:
We are seeking diverse, creative, and community-minded artists to bring these shields to life. Selected artists will receive:
A stipend to cover materials and labor ($2000)
A blank Route 66 emblem sculpture (80” wide by 68” tall) as your canvas. Both sides (mirror images) of the sculpture will need to be decorated.
Promotion through the Springfield 66 marketing campaign
Visibility through the public installation of your work
Artist Responsibilities:
Submit a proposal including concept sketches, and an artist statement describing your design.
Complete the final artwork on the provided sculpture within the project timeline
Participate in publicity efforts, including possible interviews or launch events
Key Dates:
Submission Dates: June 1st-July 27th, 2025
Artists Notified: September 1st, 2025
Sculpture Painting Period: October-December 2025 (Artists will pick-up their sculptures and deliver them back after they are decorated).
Public Launch: Spring 2026
How to Apply:
Submit your proposal via the website springfield66.com/call-for-artists/
