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Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Seeks Bison-Themed Sculpture Proposals

other · 2026-08-08

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) in Houston has issued a call for proposals for a permanent sculpture focused on the American Bison, symbolizing the connection between Indigenous communities and the Buffalo Soldiers' shared history in the American West. According to the museum's website, the U.S. Army's Black regiments earned their name from Indigenous tribes they met on the frontier. This chosen piece will greet visitors at the main exhibition highlighting the soldiers' legacy and aims to "inspire reflection, dialogue, and understanding," as stated in the project brief. The museum's renovation, which started in fall 2025, will be completed with this installation. Proposals will be evaluated by a diverse panel, and artists from the Greater Houston area are eligible. Submissions are due by Saturday, August 15, with the artist to be chosen in late August and installation expected by Sunday, November 15. More information can be found on the BSNM website.

Key facts

  • The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) in Houston announced an open call for a permanent bison-themed sculptural installation.
  • The installation will be located at the museum's main exhibition and aims to inspire reflection, dialogue, and understanding.
  • The bison symbolizes the cultural intersection between Indigenous peoples and Buffalo Soldiers in the American West.
  • The Black regiments of the U.S. Army were named 'Buffalo Soldiers' by Indigenous tribes.
  • The installation will complete the museum's ongoing renovation.
  • Proposals will be reviewed by a panel including artists, scholars, community members, Indigenous representatives, and BSNM staff.
  • Artists are encouraged to consult with Indigenous cultural practitioners.
  • Eligibility is limited to artists in the Greater Houston area.
  • Submission deadline: Saturday, August 15; artist selected in late August; installation deadline: Sunday, November 15.

Entities

Institutions

  • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
  • Glasstire

Locations

  • Houston
  • United States

Sources