Vermont Business Magazine The North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS) will enter its 29th season in 2026 with an expanded exhibition structure, additional curatorial partnerships, and the introduction of year-round installation opportunities.
Artist applications are now open and will be accepted through April 15. Submissions are available online at nbossvt.com.
The 2026 exhibition will include multiple sites in North Bennington, the grounds of Bennington Museum for the seventh consecutive year, and the Downtown Bennington Riverwalk for the third consecutive year in partnership with the Better Bennington Corporation.
The 2026 application encourages ambitious, site-responsive proposals on any theme.
“For the first time, NBOSS will offer two exhibition durations. Artists may install work for the traditional June–November season or apply for select sites offering a June–June full year installation.” said Ahmad Yassir, NBOSS Director.
The expanded timeline is intended to strengthen the region’s year-round cultural presence and provide greater flexibility for artists.
Curation will be distributed across sites
North Bennington will be co-curated by Ahmad Yassir, Matthew Perry and a newly introduced curatorial intern. Organizers said the North Bennington team will review and clarify curatorial responsibilities and role descriptions this season, with the intention of making the opportunity more accessible in future years to artists and curators interested in serving as site curators.
"NBOSS is a unique exhibition in many ways, from Sundown to Sunset, 7 days a week, June — November. Where else can you literally drive through a village and see so many sculptures,
a show where 3 graded schools and a college can walk to, that's accessibility", said Matthew Perry, co-founder and executive director of the Vermont Arts Exchange.
The Bennington Museum site will be curated by Jamie Franklin.
"The North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show has become an integral part of the Bennington area's extensive cultural offerings. Here at the Museum we look forward to continuing to feature 20+ outdoor artworks on our beautiful 10-acre campus, including our newly renovated entrance area," said Jamie Franklin, curator at Bennington Museum.
The Downtown Bennington Riverwalk site will be curated through the Downtown Design Committee in coordination with Better Bennington Corporation. The director describes the structure as a networked curatorial model, with distinct site-responsive approaches shaping sculpture across civic, institutional, and village contexts.
“In 2021, the Better Bennington Corporation embarked on a program in conjunction with community stakeholders to enhance the Walloomsac Riverwalk experience. We are grateful that NBOSS and the regional arts community have become an integral part of that experience and we look forward to its continued presence and growth.” said Michael McDonough, Chair, BBC Downtown Design Committee.
NBOSS will continue to host public receptions at each primary exhibition site. The North Bennington reception will take place on the last Saturday in June — June 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. — at the Vermont Arts Exchange campus, 48 Main St. The Downtown Bennington reception will be held on the last Saturday in July and is organized by Better Bennington Corporation. The Bennington Museum reception will take place the first weekend in September.
Ahmad Yassir is serving his first year as director. Organizers said the 2026 season will emphasize expanded access for students, emerging artists and community members, as well as mentorship opportunities connected to the new curatorial internship.
For additional information, application guidelines, volunteering or sponsorship inquiries, visit nbossvt.com and contact the organizers directly at [email protected]
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