What We Do
The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium is an annual community event designed to elevate the awareness and appreciation of public art in Nashua. Nashua is the only city in the U.S. which hosts an annual international sculpture symposium. Nashua has celebrated its International Sculpture Symposium since 2008.
Artists are invited from around the world to spend three weeks in Nashua creating public art. Residents host the artists in their homes, bring meals as they work, provide transportation, and interact with the artists as they create. The completed sculptures are then placed in public places .
Our Work
The artists’ stipend plus materials are the only costs. All other needs for a successful event are generously donated by the community. The Picker Artists at 3 Pine Street in Nashua has hosted our event since 2019 and continue to do so.
Throughout the three weeks of the Symposium, people have the opportunity to sign up to provide lunch and dinner for the artists. Host families open their homes, providing a place for the artists to sleep and have breakfast. Any travel, to and from the airport, or host families, is provided by volunteers.
Our Goals
As well as bringing public art to the community, the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium also educates the artists about creating large-scale sculpture pieces, exposes the public to different cultures and sculpture techniques and creates sustainable art in the City.
Sculptors are chosen for their ability to contribute positively to the artistic and cultural development of Nashua. The goal is that the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium will help improve the quality of life for both visitors and residents alike.
The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium is an annual spring event to bring a few artists from around the world to Nashua, NH. These artists come for 3 weeks, during which time they each develop a sculpture which is displayed in the City as public art, promoting art in the community.
Countries represented in past Symposiums include Vietnam, Egypt, Israel, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, England, Ireland, Italy, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Korea, Mongolia, Republic of Georgia, Zimbabwe, France, Peru, Native America (US), India, Lithuania, Greece, Scotland, Argentina, Kenya, New Zealand and others from around the US.
The 2022 Symposium welcomes artists from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
The 2022 Nashua International Sculpture Symposium will be held May 12 through June 4.
The 2022 Nashua International Sculpture Symposium will be the fifteenth annual Symposium, which began in 2008.
The sculptors will be working at The Picker Artists’ building, at 3 Pine Street, Nashua.
Yes, the best times to visit the work site are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Picker Artists’ for the 2022 Symposium.
A map of the previously created sculptures can be found here. You can also find an informational brochure and photos for download at the bottom of that webpage.
We welcome people to observe the sculptors carving their unique sculptures, join us for the opening and closing ceremonies, to contribute monetarily, and/or volunteer your help for the Symposium and/or fundraisers. You can volunteer to drive the artists to and from the work site or from the airport, as well as prepare meals to be served at the site. In addition, we are always looking for funding for our sculptures. If you are interested in becoming more involved, please click here.
Find Out More
NISS Board of Directors
