City of Chicago Cermak Corridor Public Art Installation

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) invites professional artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a public art project on Cermak Road between State Street and Indiana Avenue, with a focus from Wabash to Indiana. This project aims to enliven the corridor between the CTA Green Line Cermak Station and McCormick Place Convention Center. Art elements will be installed in public right of way and should be of appropriate size and scale to engage pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The artwork should embrace the rich history of the local community, reflect civic pride, and look toward the future. Only durable and resilient media will be considered, though integrated lighting is of interest. This project will require licensed professional engineering.

The art budget for this project is $450,000, inclusive of all expenses from concept design to installation including artist and design fees, fabrication, installation costs, travel, and insurances. A State of Illinois certified engineer will be required for structural drawings. This opportunity is by invitation only and is open to artists and artist teams with demonstrated history of completing large-scale outdoor public art projects. Experience working with design teams to complete art and infrastructure projects is a plus.

Submissions must include a one-page letter of interest, a resume (no more than 3 pages) highlighting relevant experience and training with a link to the artist's website, up to 6 images of relevant past work, and an annotated image list with title, media, year completed, dimensions, and retail or commission price for each image. Finalists will be selected to develop proposals and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Finalists will present proposals to the committee, after which an artist or artist team will be selected to receive the commission. Installation is scheduled for spring/summer 2019.