Written by: Jack Becker
The 32nd International Sculpture Conference will be in Minneapolis October 22–25. The conference will bring together sculptors, public artists, educators, curators, fabricators, students, and arts professionals from around the globe for four days of keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, studio tours, and unique cultural experiences throughout the Twin Cities.
Last February, the Public Art Scrambler—an informal network of local public art practitioners—organized a gathering of about 60 regional artists and cultural leaders at Public Functionary to meet a team from the International Sculpture Center (ISC) and learn about their plans to bring their 32nd International Sculpture Conference to town. Based on input and ideas collected during that evening, they crafted and curated an impressive program that takes full advantage of the amazing assets we have in this region, including hundreds of creative individuals, dozens of impactful organizations, and many beautiful places to visit.
As someone who has worked in the arts here for five decades, it’s rare to have a major arts conference take place here, especially one that is all about artists and their art! I’ve been a longtime fan of ISC’s Sculpture magazine, and I’ve been to several of their past conferences, from Pittsburgh and Chicago to Dallas and New Zealand. It’s great to have face-to-face engagement with so many talented artists. And with the conference coming here, we get to avoid the expense of travel and accommodations.
Hosted at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), the conference will explore some of the most compelling issues facing contemporary sculpture today, including public art, place-based practice, digital fabrication, civic engagement, cultural memory, and the evolving role of artists in communities.
The conference will feature keynote presentations by acclaimed artists Dyani White Hawk (a NE dweller), Angela Two Stars, and Jean Shin, whose work has expanded conversations around identity, culture, public space, and contemporary art. Their presentations will provide attendees with opportunities to engage with some of the most influential voices working in sculpture and public art today.
Programming includes panel discussions such as:
- What Does It All Mean? In Search of a Shared Vocabulary for Public Art
- Digital Technology Tools for Traditional Sculpture
- Once More with Feeling: Object Lessons
- Sculpting Time in Public
- Land and Place
- Sculpture and Homeland: Presence, Rupture, and Civic Space
In addition to formal programming, attendees will participate in portfolio reviews, workshops, demonstrations, networking opportunities, and the popular Conference Marketplace and littleSCULPTURE Show.
The Twin Cities have been recognized as one of the nation’s most dynamic creative communities. Participants will have opportunities to experience several of the region’s most celebrated arts destinations, including an evening gathering at Franconia Sculpture Park, one of the country’s premier outdoor sculpture parks. Another highlight will be the Party and Pour at Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, located in George Floyd Square. This special event will feature live bronze pouring demonstrations and provide attendees with a firsthand look at one of the Midwest’s leading community-based arts organizations dedicated to metal arts and creative education.
Attendees will also explore our renowned Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, one of the largest concentrations of working artists in the United States. Through open studios, artist talks, and guided tours, visitors will experience the vibrant creative ecosystem that has made the Twin Cities a destination for artists and cultural innovators.
Finally, if you’re a film buff, the closing night will feature the world premiere of Hiding in Plain Site / International Public Art Short Film Festival. (Full disclosure, this is my project.)
