Simplified: SculptureWalk is branching into a new neighborhood this year and increasing the number of sculptures downtown. And, under new leadership, the nonprofit is also looking at new ways to engage the community in the future.

Why it matters

  • SculptureWalk has been a part of the Sioux Falls community for 19 years, and, up until a year ago, it was all overseen by one person.
  • Now, the organization is managed by the Washington Pavilion under Executive Director Brandon Hanson.
  • Looking to the future, Hanson wants to focus on making SculptureWalk sustainable, including ensuring lots of people know how it all works, shoring up sponsorships and even scaling up.
"We could do this anywhere – businesses in town, other cities," Hanson said.

Tell me more about the new neighborhood

Sculptures are coming to the Cathedral Historic District.

This year, SculptureWalk is starting with four sculptures in the neighborhood, but both Hanson and Adam Weber – a local pastor and neighborhood resident who helped make the new sculpture locations possible – want to see that number grow in future years.

"It’s also a huge step towards connecting Cathedral District to the already booming downtown footprint," Weber said.

What else is new?

SculptureWalk is also adding five new sculpture sites to the downtown area, bringing the total up to 67.

That's in addition to SculptureWalk's larger footprint into neighborhoods (like the Cathedral District), the University of Sioux Falls, Watertown, Vermillion and with Avera. In total, there's about another 60 sculptures combined in those locations.

What's coming in the future?

Hanson wants to see more people voting for the People's Choice sculpture.

  • Each year, the City of Sioux Falls purchases the winning piece based on a popular vote.
  • Last year, only 400 people voted. Hanson said he's hoping to make that easier by eventually adding QR codes by sculptures so folks can vote online.

The nonprofit will also mark its 20th year in 2023, and Hanson said there will be celebrations to come.

SculptureWalk is also expanding its online reach in calls for artists starting next year.

  • Hanson is happy applicants didn't drop off amid the pandemic, – in fact, they were up slightly this year – but he still wants to see more artists applying to have their work featured.

What's staying the same?

SculptureWalk's mission of bringing art to the people.

"It's the largest rotating public art display in the country," Hanson said. "And we intend to keep that title."