City of Chicago Aviation Artist Pool

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) invites Chicago-based professional artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for potential inclusion in Chicago's Aviation Artist Pool. The Aviation Artist Pool is a mechanism for selecting artists for public art opportunities at Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports.

The Aviation Artist Pool will facilitate the creation of public art and other special commissions by identifying artists with a demonstrated history of completing large-scale, site-specific public art projects, and/or creating artworks suitable for acquisition and display in an airport facility. As commissioning or acquisition opportunities arise, the City will draw from the Aviation Artist Pool to identify artists to create proposals. Diversity and equity are core goals of the Aviation Artist Pool. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Potential art opportunities include projects at Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 5 expansion, including the Arrival Corridor, Baggage Claim, and Concourse Level Passenger Walkway. Commission budgets may range from $100,000 to $500,000. Potential media include 2-dimensional applied graphics, 3-dimensional applied sculptural elements, photography, lighting, video, digital media, and other experiential media.

Eligibility: Professional artists and artist teams living and/or working in Chicago with a demonstrated history of completing large-scale public art projects and/or creating artworks suitable for acquisition and display in an airport facility. Artist teams must include a professional lead artist and may include other specialists such as commercial architects, designers, fabricators, and engineers. Artist teams should have a demonstrated history of at least one year of experience working together on previous projects. Work sample requirements: 10 images (required) and up to 1 video.