City of Chicago: Taste of Chicago Street Art & Graffiti Alley

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is presenting the 37th annual Taste of Chicago, July 5–9, in Grant Park. This year's event will include a new Street Art & Graffiti Alley program featuring four Chicago artists who will create new artwork each day, culminating in an artist meet and greet on Sunday. The resulting artworks will be displayed in four different neighborhood locations (to be determined) for one year, after which the artwork will revert to the artist. Artists may suggest specific neighborhoods or locations for the post-Taste display as part of their application.

Each artist will receive a fee of $4,000 and is expected to be on site daily to create one panel per day and interact with members of the public while making art. DCASE will provide each artist four 4'x8' exterior grade plywood panels, easel, picnic table, and secure overnight storage. DCASE may prime panels in advance to artist-specified color. Artists are responsible for paint and other art supplies. The workspaces will be located in a shaded area north of the Buckingham Fountain Plaza. At the end of each day, completed panels will be attached to kiosks in the main Taste area so the gallery display grows daily. Sunday will be a viewing day for the public to see all completed works and interact with the artists.

To be eligible, artists must live, work, or maintain a studio within Chicago city limits and be active contributors to Chicago's street art and graffiti community. Artists are expected to be on site minimum hours: Wednesday–Friday, 11 AM–6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday, noon–6 PM. It is preferred that all work be completed by end of day Saturday for the Sunday meet-and-greet. Applicants must submit a brief artist statement, resume (no more than 3 pages), 6–10 images of past work, and an image list with title, media, year completed, and dimensions. One video edited to no more than 2 minutes may also be submitted but is not required. Selected artists will meet with DCASE staff in May to discuss and confirm site selection and develop artwork concepts.