New Bedford seeking artists for Herman Melville statue

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The City of New Bedford is putting out a call for local artists to submit design ideas for a statue of Herman Melville.

The statue will be placed in the city’s Historic District, which is depicted in Melville’s novel Moby-Dick.

The city is asking interested artists to submit their contact information, a statement of interest, a resume/CV, previous work samples, and an estimated budget by Feb. 16.

The submissions will be reviewed by an advisory committee comprised of representatives from the arts and culture scene, as well as local historians, and finalists will then be provided a $2,500 stipend to propose designs.

The City of New Bedford is building a statue in hoor of Herman Melville. (City of New Bedford)

“New Bedford is the setting for what is arguably the preeminent work of American literature,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “The novel has had a profound influence on artists the world over and on American culture itself.”

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting the annual Moby-Dick Marathon from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7.

Interested artists can submit their documents here.

Questions and comments on the project can be submitted to HermanMelvilleStatue@gmail.com.