Rules

Article 1: Purpose

The municipal administration of the City of Differdange, in collaboration with its Cultural Commission, is organizing the 11th International Sculpture Symposium from 26 May to 6 June 2027 in Differdange.

The objectives of this event are:

• To introduce the art of sculpture to the general public (work carried out in public)
• To promote the participating artists
• To produce original works that will become part of the cultural heritage of the City of Differdange
• To fulfill an educational role, particularly for children

Article 2: General Conditions

The number of sculptors participating in this event is limited to six (6).

Artists will work in outdoor workshop spaces provided by the organizer, which will be sheltered, illuminated, and suitably equipped.

Artists will sculpt for ten days using stone provided by the organizer. The presence of the artists on site throughout the entire duration of the symposium is mandatory, with the exception of the rest day scheduled for 1 June 2027. Working hours are set between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with a lunch break.

Each sculptor will have access to electricity, compressed air, and a water supply.

Sculptors must use their own sculpting and finishing tools. The organization will not provide tools for stone work; each artist is responsible for bringing their own equipment. Artists must be able to carry out all work on their sculpture independently. The organization will only assist with handling and moving the stone blocks in order to allow the artist to work from different angles.

The symposium will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Article 3: Theme, Dimensions, and Material

The title of this edition is “Racines – Roots.”

The choice of the theme “Roots” reflects the desire to express the deep identity of our city. It evokes both the richness of a multicultural population, the diversity of origins coexisting within our territory, and the notion of stability, which has become essential in an uncertain international context. The theme also echoes our historical past, closely linked to the steel industry, which formed the foundation of the city’s development, while highlighting its continuous evolution over the years.

Artists, whether local or from around the world, are invited to integrate these dimensions into the conception of their project, which will be submitted for evaluation by the jury.

The material chosen for the 2027 edition will be stone (the exact type of stone will be announced only after the selection). The maximum dimensions are 100 × 100 × 120 cm, and the minimum dimensions are 60 × 60 × 100 cm.

Each applicant must submit one single project, including precise dimensions, in order to allow the stone to be ordered to measure and to avoid unnecessary and excessive stone waste.

Article 4: Selection Procedure

Due to the number of applications received, the organizer cannot accept all proposals.

Selection by a jury is mandatory. Each artist may submit only one project. Artists will be selected based on a dossier including the project they will be required to execute on site within ten days.

The symposium will begin on Wednesday, 26 May 2027 (rest day on 1 June).

All sculptures must be completed by Sunday, 6 June 2027 at 5:00 p.m. The closing ceremony will take place on the same day, and the artist’s presence is mandatory.

The selection jury will be composed of professionals and representatives of the municipality. It will select six (6) projects.

Documents required for application:

• Commitment form
• Curriculum vitae with a recent photograph of the artist
• Five (5) photographs of completed sculptures, including at least one monumental sculpture
• A brief project summary
• Drawing and scale model (1:10) of the proposed project
• Regulations read and approved

If a selected sculptor is unable to carry out their work due to absenteeism, the engagement contract will be terminated immediately. This will result in the cancellation of the commission and of the coverage of accommodation and catering costs. The artist undertakes to reimburse any expenses already incurred by the municipality. Another artist, previously selected and placed on a supplementary waiting list, will then be invited to participate in the symposium in place of the defaulting artist.

Applications must be submitted by 5 June 2026 via the website: www.symposiumsculpture.lu

Additional information may be requested by email: rejane.nennig@differdange.lu

The organizer reserves the right to modify the duration of the event and the number of sculptors.

Based on the submitted documents, the jury will decide on the admission of candidates to the symposium. Final confirmation of participation will be communicated at the end of July 2026.

The jury’s decision is final. Application files will not be returned.

Article 5: Financial Conditions

Each sculptor will receive €3,000 (three thousand euros) for their participation, paid at the end of the symposium by bank transfer to an international bank account. No other method of payment will be accepted.

Selected artists must provide their bank details (RIB / IBAN) upon signing the contract.

Article 6: Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation for artists residing abroad, as well as meals and beverages for all participating sculptors, will be provided and covered by the organizer from Tuesday evening, 25 May 2027, to Monday morning, 7 June 2027. No additional compensation may be claimed.

Travel expenses are not covered; sculptors must arrange and finance their own travel to Differdange.

Any accompanying persons must cover their own costs related to accommodation, meals, beverages, etc. Artists are required to inform the organizer in advance of the number of accompanying persons.

Article 7: Copyright and Intellectual Property

The municipal administration reserves the right to publish any information relating to the artworks for informational, promotional, or editorial purposes.

The sculptures will become the property of the organizer and will be permanently installed within the territory of the City of Differdange. Artists retain only their moral rights.

Media coverage will be ensured through the distribution of press kits to print, television, general-interest, and specialized media at local, national, and international levels.

Artists consent to being filmed and photographed during the event.

Article 8: Insurance and Social Coverage

The selected artist is responsible for ensuring the safety of those around them. At their own expense, they must take out civil liability insurance (“Public Liability Insurance”), and all procedures and costs related to their social security coverage are their responsibility.

The artist must provide the organizer with proof of insurance and social security coverage no later than the day of arrival.

Personal data collected as part of the symposium application process are processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and are used solely for the purposes of event management.