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.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Step 1: Read through the description on the following pages for the themes.
Step 2: Apply by August 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:
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:
Ideas from the community for the sculpture include:
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:
Ideas from the community include incorporating historical buildings, the Wachusett Aqueduct, symbols of farming, or depictions of significant historical figures and events.
