In 2010 the Elora Business Improvement Area (BIA) allocated funds to acquire outdoor sculpture for downtown Elora. As the budget was modest, it was determined that only one sculpture could be purchased. Alternatively, it was suggested that the funds be used to establish permanent sites in public places that could host a rotating exhibition. The Elora Sculpture Project was born!
In our first season five sculptures from local artists were selected. In following years additional sites were established and submissions from artists outside the immediate area became more prevalent.
In 2014 the first site on private property was established at the Elora Centre For The Arts and the number of works exhibited reached fourteen. The most recent expansion occurred in 2018 when the Fergus BIA created two new sites in downtown Fergus, bringing the total there to five, and eighteen overall.
A volunteer committee runs the Project with support from the BIAs and in cooperation with the township.
Funding is provided by local businesses and art-loving residents.
Each fall the committee opens a Call for Submissions that runs through to January. A jury then selects the works for exhibition. The call is open to all artists in Canada working in any media suitable for outdoor sculpture. We welcome submissions from hobbyists and students, as well as professional artists at all stages of their careers.
Most of the works in each exhibition are for sale. We let you deal directly with the artists which eliminates fees; a benefit to you and the artists. Our map and guide include pricing and contact information for each artist. View and download here:
Every May we unveil a new exhibition. Please come back often!