53rd & 55th Street Viaduct Revitalization Public Art Call

Special Service Area 61 Hyde Park (SSA 61) welcomes artists to submit artworks for consideration to revitalize the 53rd & 55th Street viaducts in Hyde Park. Each selected artist will receive a $3,000 stipend per panel for the use of their artwork. Selected artworks will be reproduced on vinyl and professionally installed on existing panels by Moss Inc.

The project includes 19 landscape-orientation stainless steel panels: 13 on the south side of 53rd Street (most 8' x 12', one 8' x 16'), and 6 on the south side of 55th Street (four 8' x 12', two 8' x 16'). Artworks will be printed with a matte finish on 3M vinyl with self-adhesive backing and covered with a graffiti-resistant coating. The anticipated lifespan is approximately 3 or more years. A curatorial team including Monique Brinkman-Hill (Executive Director of South Side Community Art Center), Mariela Acuña (Exhibitions and Residency Manager at Hyde Park Art Center), and Ciera McKissick (Public Programs Manager at Hyde Park Art Center) will select the artwork. Thirty finalists will be notified, and 19 or fewer artists will be awarded with a panel.

Submissions should approach the site with a bold and creative vision reflecting the community's connectedness, diversity, culture, entertainment, and residents. The viaducts connect the east and west sides of the business districts. Submissions must create an attraction that welcomes both Hyde Park residents and visitors from across Chicago. Artists should submit 3-5 artworks (pre-existing or newly developed). At least one submission must be convertible to all size and electronic formatting requirements. Light, vibrant, and bold colors are encouraged but not required. Each panel will include a 10.5" explanatory text and credits on the bottom in brown. The application period is April 5 - May 19, 2024. Jury deliberation and Moss review will occur in May. Artist contracts will be awarded in June with payments once artwork is print-ready. Printing and installation will take place Summer 2024. Artists with a connection to Hyde Park are encouraged to apply.