Art for State Buildings Program

The 2026 Art for State Buildings Program, administered by the South Dakota Arts Council in partnership with Travel South Dakota, invites eligible artists to submit proposals for the acquisition of original artwork. Established in 2008, the program aims to showcase South Dakota’s rich cultural heritage and identity through public art. Selected pieces are added to the state’s permanent collection, displayed in state government buildings in and near the Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota. As of this call, the collection includes 135 pieces accessible to citizens, state employees, and visitors. The program continues its mission of investing in authentic South Dakota artists whose work reflects the state’s land, people, history, and spirit. Artists must be at least 18 years old and must either currently reside in South Dakota or have lived there for the majority of their art career. Artists previously selected for this program may apply again, although preference may be given to new participants. Only one artwork may be proposed per artist. All submissions must be completely finished—framed if applicable, professionally presented, and ready for installation. Proof of readiness, including framing and availability, must be evident in the submitted photograph. If a proposed piece is sold while scoring is in progress, it becomes ineligible, and the artist may not submit a replacement. Artwork must have been completed within the past five years, and only original two-dimensional or three-dimensional works are permitted. Reproductions, AI-generated works, or art mounted on non-durable materials such as Plexiglass are not accepted. Submissions are evaluated by a five-member selection committee authorized to allocate the $20,000 program budget across any number of pieces. The committee consists of a state building representative, a state-appointed official, a visual arts expert selected by the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC), a visual arts board member, and a community member appointed by the Mayor of Pierre. Each proposal is scored individually and then discussed by the panel before recommendations are made to SDAC for final approval. Key evaluation criteria include artistic excellence, relevance to South Dakota’s environment and heritage, the artist’s professional background, and the durability and safety of the proposed artwork in public spaces. To apply, artists must create a free account on ArtworkArchive.com and complete their profile. While logged in, applicants should locate the call listing by searching “South Dakota” under the “Find New Opportunities” section of the Dashboard. Alternatively, a direct link may be used. Submission requirements include a digital JPG image of the proposed artwork, along with metadata such as title, caption/statement, medium, completion date, dimensions, and non-negotiable price. The application must also include the artist’s bio or resume and contact information. The timeline for the 2026 cycle is fixed. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2026. The review process begins March 9, with final scoring and reporting completed by March 27. Applicants will receive notification of acceptance or rejection by April 10. By May 1, all purchase documents must be signed and artwork delivered to Pierre. Final artist payments are expected by May 31. The selected works will then join the growing state collection and remain a permanent testament to the creativity and cultural legacy of South Dakota artists.