call for artists: dr. sadie tanner mossell alexander statue

Creative Philadelphia (formerly the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy) and the Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Statue Committee (Committee) announce a public art competition to commission a statue honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander, a pioneering African American civil rights activist and native Philadelphian who broke barriers in academia, economics and law, and fought to protect the civil rights of underserved communities. The statue will be installed in Thomas Paine Plaza at Philadelphia’s Municipal Services Building.

The Selection Committee is comprised of members with connections to Alexander’s work and legacy, including family of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander, civil rights organizations, black professional member organizations, community organizations, educational institutions, sorority, law and economics organizations, arts and design professionals, City agencies, City Council and Creative Philadelphia.

This is a two-part competition consisting of Part 1: Submission of Qualifications and Part 2: Finalist Proposals. In Part 1, all interested artists or artist teams are invited to respond to this Call by submitting an application detailing their qualifications ONLY. Applicants will be narrowed into a smaller group of the five (5) best qualified Finalists who will move on to Part 2 where design proposals will be requested. No design proposals are requested at this time.

Public input and participation will ensure the voices of Philadelphians are reflected in the development of the statue, including an opportunity for Finalist artists to present their proposed statue designs to the public and receive feedback. Public feedback will be one of the factors that will inform the Committee’s selection of the winning artist and design.