Sculpture Milwaukee announced on May 28 that its annual world-class collection of monumental sculptures would return to the streets this summer, where they can be safely enjoyed by the public.

Installation is slated to begin the week of June 8, and will be phased through mid-July, and, for the first time ever, many works will remain on view through the winter. In an historic year of innumerable cancelations and uncertainties due to COVID-19, the nonprofit was spurred-on by the urgent understanding that access to free, safe, and culturally enriching activities are more important now than ever.

“The sculptures will be a visible and vibrant reminder of our city’s unwavering resilience, an invitation to reimagine our surroundings, take-in new perspectives, and get inspired,” says Beth Weirick of Milwaukee Downtown. She continues, “We want everyone to feel safe coming downtown; Sculpture Milwaukee’s plans fit right in with the larger effort to create a safe, inviting locale for our community.”

In light of ongoing public health concerns, Sculpture Milwaukee has announced a few unique features of the 2020 season. The organization has deferred in-person events, instead resources will be made available on SculptureMilwaukee.com for self-guided exploration.

They will host a mix of live-streamed and pre-recorded conversations with artists, virtual art lectures and more. Visitors will be encouraged to share their photos and thoughts about the sculptures via social media. Ground markings will be provided to help visitors maintain the recommended six-feet physical distance from others.

“Our exhibition stretches out along Wisconsin Ave from O’Donnell Park to the Wisconsin Center, and this year, in partnership with The Black Box Fund, we’ve expanded into the Historic Third Ward. Altogether, our exhibition is over a mile and a half long, open 24-7 and will remain open months longer than in past years. We believe there will be ample space for people to experience vibrant and diverse, world-class artworks while maintaining a safe physical distance,” said Brian Schupper, Sculpture Milwaukee’s Executive Director. “We love Milwaukee, and, we want our exhibition to inspire people to get out and experience our beautiful city once again.”

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Lee Matz and Meg Strobel

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