10th International Sculpture Symposium Differdange 2025

Article 1: Purpose

The municipal administration of Differdange in collaboration with its cultural commission is organising the 10th sculpture symposium from 21st May to 1st June 2025 in Differdange.

The objectives of this event are

• introducing the art of sculpture to the public (work in front of the public)
• promoting the participating artists
• producing original works that will form part of the cultural heritage of the town of Differdange
• facilitating access to culture for children.

Article 2: General terms and conditions

The number of sculptors taking part is limited to 6.

The artists will work in outdoor workshops, protected, lit and set up by the organiser.

The artists will sculpt for a period of ten days, working with materials provided by the organiser. The artists must be present on site throughout the symposium! The organiser will set up the materials.

Each sculptor will be provided with the materials and equipment requested (electricity, compressed air and water) in agreement with the organiser. Carvers must use their own carving and finishing tools. The organisers will not provide tools for working with stone, so each artist must bring his or her own tools. Artists must be able to carry out all the work on their artwork themselves. The organisation will only help with the manipulation of the blocks so that the artist can work on his sculpture from another angle.

The symposium will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Article 3: Theme and dimensions

The title of this edition will be “Queen of stone”.

The 10th edition of the Sculpture Symposium will focus on the theme of women and femininity and will be held in Differdange, a town with a rich industrial and steel-making past in Luxembourg. This symposium offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity and beauty of femininity through the art of sculpture, in a setting steeped in history and inspiration.

The choice of the theme of women and femininity is particularly significant in the context of Differdange. Once a major industrial centre, the town has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. While honouring its steelmaking past, Differdange is now emerging as a hotbed of creativity and renewal, where culture and the arts thrive. It is in this dynamic and evolving environment that we invite you to explore and express your interpretation of women and femininity through your art.

As participating sculptors, you will have the opportunity to work in a place steeped in a unique atmosphere. The remains of the steel industry, with its steel structures and characteristic urban landscapes, provide a striking backdrop for your work. We encourage you to draw on this industrial atmosphere to create sculptures that reflect both the strength and resilience of women, while capturing their timeless grace and beauty.

May this Sculpture Symposium be a source of mutual inspiration and a vibrant tribute to women and their central place in our society.

The material chosen for the 2025 edition will be stone (which kind will be announced soon), with each block of stone measuring 100 x 100 x 120 cm.

The organiser will provide each sculptor with the material(s) they need to create their project. The project must take into account the dimensions of the block of stone provided. Pre-cutting of the stone beforehand will not be possible; the sculptors must carry out all the work themselves on site.

Article 4: Selection procedure

Due to the large number of applications, the organiser cannot accept all proposals.

Selection by the jury is essential. Each artist may submit only one project.

Artists will be selected on basis of a dossier including the project that they will have to complete on site within 12 days (start of the symposium on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Creations must be completed by 5 p.m. on Sunday 1 June).

The closing ceremony will take place on the same day. Every artist has to be present at the ceremony.

The selection panel will be made up of professionals and representatives of the municipality. It will select 6 projects.

• Documents required for registration
• Commitment contract
• Curriculum vitae with a recent photo of the artist
• 5 photos of completed sculptures, including at least one monumental sculpture
• A brief summary of the project
• Drawing and 1:10 scale model of the planned project
• Rules read and approved

If the selected sculptor is unable to complete the work due to absenteeism, the contract will be terminated immediately, which means that the commission and the cost of accommodation and meals will be cancelled. The artist undertakes to reimburse the costs already incurred by the municipality. Another artist, selected but on a complementary waiting list, will then be invited to take part in the symposium in place of the defaulting artist.

Registration for the Symposium must be made before 11 November 2024 on the website: www.symposiumsculpture.lu

Further information by e-mail: rejane.nennig@differdange.lu

(The organiser reserves the right to modify the duration of the event and the number of sculptors)

On basis of the documents requested, the jury will decide whether to admit candidates to the symposium. Final registration will be announced at the end of January 2025.

The jury’s choice will be final. Applications will not be returned.

Article 5: Financial conditions

Each sculptor will receive 3000 euros (three thousand euros) for his or her work at the end of the symposium.

Article 6: Accommodation and meals

Accommodation for artists residing abroad and meals and drinks for all participating sculptors will be provided and paid for by the organisers from Tuesday evening (20 May 2025) to Monday morning (2 June 2025). No other compensation may be claimed.

Travel costs will not be covered, and sculptors will have to make their own way to Differdange.

Any accompanying persons will have to pay for their accommodation, meals, drinks, etc. Artists are required to indicate the number of such persons in advance.

Article 7: Copyright and intellectual property

The local authority reserves the right to publish the works for information, publicity or publishing purposes. The sculptures will become the property of the organiser. The sculptures will be permanently installed on the territory of the town. The artists will retain only the moral rights.

Media coverage will be ensured by sending press kits to the local, national and international press and television, both general and specialised.

Artists agree to be filmed and photographed during the event.

Article 8: Insurance and social cover

The selected artist is responsible for the safety of those around him. He/she shall take out Civil Liability insurance at his/her own expense and shall be responsible for all formalities and costs relating to his/her social protection. They must provide the organiser with proof of their insurance and social security cover by the day of their arrival at the latest.