Chicago Gold Star Families Memorial and Park Canine & Equine Plaza Public Art Opportunity

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is seeking an artist or artist team to create wall-mounted high relief sculptures for the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, Canine and Equine Plaza addition. The memorial honors police officers and their animal partners who have given their lives in service to the Chicago Police Department. Currently, eight canine and three equine partners have died in service.

The artwork consists of two sculptural elements: a life-size or larger horse standing on the ground with its head facing out, accompanied by its patrol officer partner standing and holding the reins; and two life-size or larger dogs mounted and arranged on the wall in a dynamic grouping, with their police officer handler holding leashes. The dogs may be natural or uniformed in working equipment. The commemorative space will feature an 8-foot-high poured concrete memorial wall with architectural grade finish, donor pavers, uplights, concrete seating, and gravel paving.

The artist is responsible for design, engineering, fabrication, permits, transportation, installation, and insurance of the artwork. The projected budget is $300,000 inclusive of artist fee and all expenses. The selection committee will select 3 to 5 artists to request design proposals, with a $500 design fee paid to selected artists. Submission deadline is November 11, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Semi-finalists will be selected in early December, design proposals are due mid-January, and the commission will be awarded late January/early February, with installation scheduled for August/September 2020. Applicants must submit a one-page letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and annotated image list with 4 to 8 images of past artwork.