Project Overview

The City of Salem, MA and its Public Art Commission invited artists to contribute to the vibrant—and ever evolving—story of Salem through the lens of the Salem 400+ quindecinnial anniversary celebrations through the paid public art commission opportunity seeking experienced artists, sculptors, stoneworkers, craftspeople, and other creatives to imagine/envision a sculptural work of art that connects to and elevates the themes of the Salem 400+ celebrations. This project has a not-to-exceed budget of $25,000 from design completion through delivery, with a required deliverable date of June 30, 2026. The finished work of art will be placed on display near the
Blaney Street Ferry Terminal in Salem, exact placement TBD.

Using theme and goals outlined by Salem’s 400+ quindecinnial anniversary celebration’s to guide intentions and provide inspiration, we invited artists to bring their vision, heritage, and creative voice to the heart of Salem’s cultural moment.  This initiative aligns with the Salem 400+ mission to honor our quadricentennial while recognizing the deep roots of Indigenous presence, layered histories, and the creative energies shaping our community’s
future. Leveraging intentional themes in modern art allows us to shape a visual language that reflects, inspires, and aspires—a way of honoring Salem’s layered histories while boldly envisioning the next 400
years, here in Salem, and beyond.  The PAC holds that when artworks are grounded in purposeful concepts, they become more than aesthetic experiences; they serve as shared touchstones for community values, aspirations, and dialogue. In Salem, this means embracing creativity that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and rooted in a respect for place; and centering art that invites residents and visitors alike to imagine a vibrant, culturally resilient, and meaningfully connected future—together!

In the spirit of this togetherness we invite community members to provide comments, thoughts, and feedback on the design concept proposals received in response to this call for artists.

The Semi-Finalist Artists 

400+ Sculpture

Below is an overview of the concept proposals submitted by our 5 semi-finalists.
 

Artist Presentations will take place during the upcoming Public Art Commission Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:30pm via ZOOM.   

All are welcome and encourged to join, hear from the artists first hand and ask questions. 
To access the meeting agenda containing the Zoom access link click here.
 

Untilted Artwork

by Thomas Berger

Click here for more info on this proposal >