Chicago Avenue Streetscape Public Art RFQ

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for public art commissions as part of the Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvement Project, a CDOT-led initiative to re-activate the Humboldt Park neighborhood with infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and placemaking improvements. The project is funded by the City of Chicago's Capital Plan and administered through DCASE's Public Art Program.

Two public art commission sites are located at the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection of Trumbull Avenue and Chicago Avenue in Humboldt Park. Each site measures 5' x 5'. Three to four artist finalists will be selected to develop conceptual designs for these locations. Finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop proposals. The selected commissioned artist will receive $225,000, inclusive of all costs and fees for design, structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, and installation. The commissioned artist must hire an electrical, structural, and civic engineer to assist during the Office of Underground Coordination permitting process.

Applications must include: a one-page letter of interest explaining the applicant's connection to Humboldt Park and initial conceptual ideas; six to ten images of past large-scale public art and infrastructure projects; an annotated image list with title, media, year, dimensions, location, budget, timeline, and commissioning entity for each image; optional video (maximum two minutes); and a one to two-page resume or CV. Artist teams must provide a list of key members and their roles, and one resume or CV per member in a single PDF. Applications are submitted digitally via the CAFÉ online application system. The jury review period is June 27 - August 1, 2025, with finalists notified the week of July 21, 2025. Finalists will develop designs from July 21 - September 8, 2025, and present proposals the week of September 8, 2025.