Fulton and Milwaukee Viaduct Public Art Project Request for Qualifications

This project is part of the City of Chicago's Public Art Menu Program, through which DCASE collaborates with Aldermanic offices to commission neighborhood-based public artworks using discretionary capital funds allocated through City Wards.

The viaduct at Fulton Street and Milwaukee Avenue sits at a key crossroads in the Fulton River District, a gateway between the Loop and the Near West Side. This opportunity invites artists to reimagine the north- and south-facing walls of the viaduct with a large-scale painted mural that transforms the space into something more than a pass-through. The mural should reflect the richness of the surrounding community: its layered history as a transportation hub and its present-day pulse of movement, culture, and creativity. Designs should consider scale and sightlines from multiple perspectives and aim to leave a lasting impression that sparks curiosity and a deeper appreciation for public art in everyday spaces.

Artwork locations include: north wall under viaduct (16'H x 101'W), south wall under viaduct (16'H x 94'W), retaining wall just west of the north wall (25'H x 51'W), and corner wall near Milwaukee Avenue (16'H x 6'W). Artwork may not be painted on column surfaces. Per Public Art Menu Program guidelines, the mural is intended to have a lifespan of approximately 3 years. This opportunity is open to all Chicago area professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations. Finalist honorarium: $1,000. Commission budget: $85,000, which must cover all project costs, including artist and design fees, materials, installation, permits, insurance, and any other related expenses. Applicants will be shortlisted based on artistic excellence, demonstrated skill and quality craftsmanship in examples of past work, strength and originality of concept, meaningful intent for the project scope, and connection to place. Three to four finalists will be selected to develop site-specific concept proposals and will each receive a $1,000 honorarium. Finalists will present their proposals to the selection panel, and one artist or team will be awarded the commission. Applications must include: a one-page letter of interest stating why the specific site is meaningful and appropriate for the applicant's work and initial conceptual ideas; a two-page resume or curriculum vitae; an annotated image list of work samples; and six to ten images of past large-scale mural projects. One optional video edited to no more than two minutes in length may also be submitted.