35th Ward Public Art Project RFQ

The 35th Ward Public Art Menu Project invites professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations to submit qualifications to develop an outdoor mural for a viaduct wall located at 2910 N California Ave on the northwest corner of California and 90/94 Kennedy Expressway in Chicago. The artwork envelope is approximately 10' H x 108' W on a total wall of approximately 15' H x 120' W. Artwork can be applied directly to the surface.

Successful proposals should approach the site with a bold and creative vision that reflects the community's vibrant diversity, neighborhood roots, value of family and neighbors, and hope for the future. Designs must include elements of appropriate size, scale, and orientation to engage viewing from multiple vantage points, including pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The viaduct serves the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods, areas steeped in history with significant cultural diversity.

Applications must include: a one-page letter of interest explaining why the site is meaningful and initial conceptual ideas; a two-page CV (one per team member if applicable); six to ten images of past large-scale public art and infrastructure projects; an optional video (up to two minutes); and an annotated image list with title, media, year completed, dimensions, location, project budget, timeline, and commissioning entity for each work. Applicants will be shortlisted based on artistic excellence, demonstrated skill and craftsmanship, strength and originality of concept, meaningful intent for the project scope, and connection to place. Three to four finalists will be selected to develop design proposals and present to the selection committee. Finalists receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop proposals. The selected artist receives a $40,000 commission, inclusive of artist fee and all expenses for artwork including design, materials, supplies, equipment, fabrication, structural engineer approval, transportation, installation, and insurance.