The Bascom is a non-profit corporation seeking to build essential creative skills for area youth and adults, increase professional development opportunities for artists and educators and become a key player in the creative community of Western North Carolina. In 2023, Vision Cashiers established a working partnership with The Bascom to install outdoor sculptures in Cashiers for a period of two years. The task force is particularly interested in finding art for the community-based WALK CASHIERS initiative.
The Bascom’s Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Program consists of a widely publicized call to artists to submit outdoor sculptures for consideration. Five are selected for The Bascom campus and two for Cashiers. The Bascom recommends a number of sculptures to Vision Cashiers and works with the Public Art Task Force to select the strongest fit for selected sites. The determination of which sculptures are selected and where they are placed is solely the decision of the Vision Cashiers Public Art Task Force.
This project benefits artists who respond to a juried call for work and visitors and residents of Cashiers, and the Plateau, who will experience the work which will promote artistic amenities.
Vision Cashiers coordinates with property owners regarding the site and installation of the sculpture and assumes all costs associated with siting and pouring the concrete pad for the sculptures. The Bascom provides funding for the artists which includes a $1500 honorarium. Additionally, both Vision Cashiers and The Bascom enter into an agreement with the property owners which provides for mutual indemnification. The Bascom follows its standard protocol for the sale of any work on display during the exhibition of the sculptures. Should an artwork on exhibit sell during the period, the artist will receive 60% of the sale proceeds and The Bascom will receive 40% per The Bascom’s standard agreement with exhibiting artists. The price of the sculpture is determined by the artist.