LOVE Northborough Sculpture

Description

Call for Sculpture

LOVE Northborough Public Art Commission

The Northborough Arts Council (NAC) of Massachusetts is accepting submissions for a large, iconic free-standing permanent sculpture that will serve as a focal point for Northborough’s placemaking efforts.

As part of the “LOVE Northborough” public art campaign, we invite artists to submit proposals that reflect the unique spirit of our town. Our hope is to create something as beloved and recognizable as Boston’s Ducklings — a landmark that residents and visitors alike can connect with.

Both proposed work and finished pieces will be considered.  This will be an outdoor installation, and as such, the sculpture's materials need to be durable enough to withstand the elements for many years.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Step 1: Read through the description on the following pages for the themes.

Step 2: Apply by September 1, 2025 

Step 3: Final winning sculptor will be notified by October 1, 2025 with contract signed by October 31, 2025.
Step 4: Sculpture installation date is October 2026. The unveiling event will be celebrated with the community; specific date TBD.

OTHER PARAMETERS:

Preference will be given to New England sculptors but all artists are welcome to apply. The sculpture will be placed in the town of Northborough, MA.

The artist’s budget is $16K, which is to include design, fabrication, and delivery. If chosen, you will be sent specifications for the base to accommodate your design, and its installation will be executed by our Town DPW department.

Artists may submit more than one application.

All work must be ready for installation upon delivery. Artists accept responsibility for delivering work on dates as agreed upon in the final contract.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The NAC will select one sculpture from the pool of submissions. After the selection, a representative from the Arts Council will work directly with the artist to finalize the contract, payment schedule, as well as delivery and installation dates.

REFERENCES:

Our town website: https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/

NAC website: https://www.northboroughartscouncil.org/

The NAC held a town-wide survey to engage public opinion and the votes were equally split between the themes of “Community” and “Heritage”. The following provides specific details about each theme. You are free to base your design on one or a combination of both themes.

THEME 1: COMMUNITY

Community represents the strong bond between families, friends, neighbors, and all those who share similar interests and values. Residents feel that Northborough exemplifies this through its welcoming spirit, strong intergenerational bonds, and active participation from individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and professions. It speaks to the collective spirit seen at town activities, seasonal festivals, parades, and local sporting events. Examples are:

AppleFest – an Autumn townwide festival with parade, music, farmer’s market and a variety of local businesses and school activities represented
Summer Concert Series – several weeks of bands and musical acts held at our Ellsworth-McAfee Park
Jacob Rogers Pickleball Memorial Tournament
– an annual tournament at our own pickleball courts to raise money in support of youth mental health awareness
Open Mic Events – a fun night to celebrate local talent
Porch Fest – an all-day town wide music festival that takes place at popular local businesses and green spaces
Open Studio – display of temporary galleries, demonstrations and a variety of artistic talents at various businesses and community spots around town
Scouting Food Drive – involves the entire community to donate for the food insecure
Jack O’Lantern Stroll – families show off their pumpkin carving & decorating skills in a contest that is voted on by the townspeople
HallowArt – a town wide Halloween house decorating contest
Window Wonderland – local artists paint windows for local businesses in winter, holiday themes to brighten the winter holidays
Tree Lighting – Christmas tree lighting celebration at the center of town
Taste of Northborough – various restaurants get together to offer a culinary experience

Our sense of belonging is further highlighted by national recognition — Northborough was recently named the best place to live west of Boston by The Boston Globe. Residents are proud of our welcoming atmosphere, active volunteerism, and strong civic engagement.

When we talk about Community, we celebrate the feeling of safety, inclusion, and pride that comes from living in a town that values togetherness.

Key ideas expressed by our townspeople include:

Inclusivity: Community encompasses all ages, ethnicities, faiths, and social groups, unlike other more specific themes.
Connection: Northborough is characterized by kindness, support, and neighbors helping each other. This connection makes people feel safe, welcome, and proud to live here.
Shared Values: People highlighted the town's collective spirit—working together, caring for one another, and celebrating diversity. Newer and long-term residents alike emphasized how quickly they felt at home due to the strong community vibe.

Ideas from the community for the sculpture include:

People holding hands, forming a circle or bridge
Embracing arms or hands shaking
Scenes of people greeting one another, working together, or representing key town events
A blend of universal community symbols with local icons

THEME 2: HERITAGE

The heritage of Northborough is viewed as an integral part of the town’s identity, deeply connected to its past and essential for understanding its future. Residents believe it’s important to honor and remember the town’s history, as it shapes the community’s sense of belonging, pride, and progress. The town's rich history stretches back to pre-Revolutionary times, with key elements including its involvement in the American Revolution, its agricultural roots, and historical sites like the Wachusett Aqueduct and colonial buildings.

Heritage connects us to Northborough’s rich historical roots dating back to colonial times, particularly its evolution as a hub of transportation, agriculture and industry. The arrival of the steam and electric trolley transformed the downtown area, fostering growth in small-scale manufacturing and agriculture.

Businesses thrived along Main Street, with the nearby rivers and brooks providing vital resources for industry and farming. In the mid-1800s, six comb factories operated around town, crafting their products from tortoiseshell, horn, and bone. Northborough today has multiple apple farms, including one rated Top 10 in the country.

Understanding our heritage gives us a sense of pride and perspective — it reminds us of the resilience and innovation that built the foundations of our community. Preserving historic buildings, landmarks, and traditions is key to maintaining the town’s unique character for future generations. The Historical Society also runs regular heritage awareness programs throughout the year.

Key points:

Historical Significance: Northborough's history, including its role in American independence and commerce, is seen as vital to the town's sense of pride and community.
Civic Pride: Many residents feel that remembering and celebrating the town's heritage fosters a stronger civic identity.
Historical Landmarks: The Wachusett Aqueduct, colonial houses, and connections to industries like comb manufacturing and apple farming are highlighted as key symbols of the town’s past.
Cultural Growth: The town is balancing the preservation of its history with efforts to revitalize downtown and adapt to modern needs, such as creating a community-centered, experiential downtown space.

Ideas from the community
include incorporating historical buildings, the Wachusett Aqueduct, symbols of farming, or depictions of significant historical figures and events.

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