Greater Grand Crossing Branch Library Public Art Commission

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), working with the Chicago Public Library, invites professional artists to submit their interest in a public art commission for the new Greater Grand Crossing Branch Library. This commission opportunity is to create a site-specific artwork that responds to the community's clearly stated desire that the public art for their library be reflective of intellectual curiosity, creativity and a thirst for knowledge expressed in a visually sophisticated manner. The library is a partner in Pocket Con, a comic conference held in the neighborhood for Chicago teens and focusing on underrepresented populations in the comic genre. All media will be considered but it is essential that it have low maintenance requirements.

The panel has identified the large wall in the main entry and the "frieze band" wall sections immediately over the bookshelves in the Reading Room as primary sites for consideration. There is also an outdoor reading garden. Artists may propose for any public area of the library and grounds. The total project budget is $44,335.00. Semi-finalists will be selected in July and paid honoraria to develop proposals by September, with the finalist being selected in October. Installation by the commissioned finalist is expected within one year of contracting.

Work sample requirements: 6-10 images and up to 1 video (6-10 total samples). Application deadline: June 14, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The library is located at 1000 E. 73rd Street, Chicago. International artists are eligible.