Legler Regional Library Artist-in-Residence Program

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), seeks artists to participate in the inaugural Legler Regional Library Artist-in-Residence Program. During a two-year residency, an artist or artist team will be given studio space at the library to develop public art projects and art programs that utilize the artist's unique talents to promote greater connectivity between the library, its services, and the needs and aspirations of the local West Garfield Park community.

The Artist-in-Residence will conduct research about the CPL system, Legler Regional Library, and the surrounding neighborhood; maintain a regular schedule of onsite creative hours in the studio; develop and execute a series of monthly community programs at the library in the form of exhibitions, panels, workshops, or other events that engage staff and visitors in educational or participatory art making experiences; and present a final project at the end of the two-year residency that becomes part of the Library's growing collection.

This opportunity is open to professional artists and artist teams who live or work in the City of Chicago and have a demonstrated commitment to working with and for the benefit of the public. Artists who live and work on the West Side of Chicago and specifically near Legler Regional Library are highly encouraged to apply. In addition to in-kind use of studio space at Legler Regional Library, the Artist-in-Residence will receive an annual budget of $50,000, which includes a $15,000 yearly stipend paid directly to the artist to support administration of the program. The remaining budget covers monthly community programs, materials and supplies, and development of final projects. Selection will be based on past work in or ties to West Garfield Park, artistic merit and professional qualifications, creative and administrative skills, experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, ability to communicate effectively, and basic knowledge of Chicago Public Library services. Applicants must submit a one-page letter of interest, six to ten images of past public art projects with emphasis on community-based work, and may optionally submit one video of no more than two minutes. An annotated image list with title, media, year completed, dimensions, location, project budget, timeline, and commissioning entity for each work is required.