Call for Artists

Title: A.R.T. on the C.R.T. (Art on the Cochituate Rail Trail)
Theme: Moving

Overview:
The Art on the Trails outdoor exhibition will be installed on May 1, 2026, along the scenic Cochituate Rail Trail, and will remain on display until September 1, 2026.

This vibrant public art initiative is a collaboration between the Framingham Cultural Council (FCC) and the Friends of the Framingham Trails (FoFT), celebrating creativity, movement, and community connection through outdoor art.

Theme Description – “Moving”:
How does your art express Moving? The concept embraces both physical and emotional transitions—movement through space, time, and feeling. Think of walking or biking along the trail, sharing a moment with a friend, or reflecting on how art and nature can stir emotions. Movement may be literal—capturing the body in motion—or metaphorical, evoking inner transformation and serenity.

Qualifications:

Guidelines for Submissions

• Please consider the following guidelines before submitting a proposal:

• Artists may submit existing work or a proposal for site-specific work.

• Artists may enter up to 3 works/proposals. (1 application fee)

• Primary consideration will be given to artists living or working in Framingham.

• Proposals should include a title and or written description of how the sculpture/ or art represents the theme, and a description of the installation method along with at least one image of the proposed piece, as a drawing or generated image.
• Art will be evaluated based on quality of the overall proposal as representing the theme and the jurors will make final determination
• Art must be considered suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds
• You may identify a preferred location for your work if you choose. The final siting of the work is at the discretion of the (jurors).
• There are no buildings or electrical outlets on the rail trail. All work must be installed in the natural environment
• Please indicate if the work requires support or suspension in the landscape and your proposed method for achieving this. You may bring in structures or use trees as supports for your installation, as long as it does not harm them in any way. For instance, strapping around trunks or ropes around branches is acceptable. Nails into trees are not acceptable
• Installed artwork must be as proposed in this submission. The Framingham Cultural Council (FCC) and Friends of the Framingham Trails (FoFT) reserve the right to decline any work that does not resemble the proposal.
• Installation day is May 1, 2026. The artist is responsible for installing their own work or to have a representative present to do so. Artists must install between 10 am- 6pm.
• From installation to dismantling, nature must be left intact and all materials brought to the site must be removed at the end of the show. No exceptions.
• By submitting a proposal, artists acknowledge that the FCC, FoFT and City of Framingham assumes no liability for artwork on the property during the exhibition.
• The selected artists will be notified by February 2, 2026 via email. Acceptance in the show is provisional and contingent on agreeing to terms outlined in the guidelines above at the time of notification.
• There will be a maximum of 10 artists selected for this project
• All applicants must submit a $25 non-refundable application fee
• All accepted artists will receive a $500 stipend for participating

Please contact _
The Framingham Cultural Council @ [email protected] with any questions

How To Apply:

Complete the application online at Form Center • Framingham Cultural Council: 2025 Call for Art
and mail a $25 non-refundable application fee to:

Framingham Cultural Council
Memorial Building
150 Concord Street
Framingham, MA 01702

(we are unable to accept online payments)

Apply by:

December 31, 2025

Salary:

500.00 / Total fee

About this Organization:

Local partner of the Mass Cultural Council