PUBLIC ART MENU PROGRAM

This project is generated by the City of Chicago’s Public Art Menu Program, through which DCASE works collaboratively with Aldermanic offices to administer neighborhood public art commissions using discretionary capital funds provided by the City’s Wards.

SUMMARY OF THE OPPORTUNITY

The 35th Ward Public Art Menu Project invites professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations living in Chicago with a demonstrated history of completing permanent, large-scale, public art projects to submit their qualifications to develop an outdoor mural that will activate a viaduct wall located at 2910 N California Ave on the northwest corner of California and 90/94 Kennedy Expressway. The envelope for artwork is the area indicated by the yellow dashed lines in the following site images, approximately 10’ H x 108’ W. Total wall dimensions are approximately 15’ H x 120’ W.  Artwork can be applied directly to the surface.

The viaduct serves the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods and is centered in an area steeped in history, brimming with cultural diversity.  This opportunity is to create a painted mural for the northwest facade of the viaduct wall. Successful public art proposals will approach the site with a bold and creative vision that reflects and expresses the best of the community: residents’ vibrant diversity and neighborhood roots, the value of family and neighbors, and hope for the future. The artwork will beautify the viaduct, improve the experience of walking, cycling, or driving through it, and inspire a love of public art in the community. Designs will include elements of an appropriate size, scale, and orientation to engage viewing from multiple potential vantage points, including pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

COMMUNITY 

Logan Square, a charming neighborhood nestled on Chicago's northwest side, is brimming with cultural diversity and committed to sustainability. Named after General John A. Logan, the area is adorned with elegant Greystone buildings, spacious bungalow-style homes, and the picturesque Logan Square Boulevards District, a renowned historic landmark.

Logan Square's demographic makeup reflects its welcoming spirit, with a significant Latino population, a notable Eastern European community, and an increasing number of young professionals. This cultural blend contributes to the neighborhood's vibrant culinary scene, where trendy restaurants, lively bars, and eclectic shops line Milwaukee Avenue, the area's commercial hub. Logan Square's future holds immense potential, fueled by its diverse population, thriving arts scene, and dedication to sustainability. Whether seeking culinary adventures, cultural immersion, or a taste of Chicago's vibrant spirit, Logan Square offers an enriching experience that appeals to all.

SELECTION PROCESS

Following the RFQ application deadline, DCASE will convene a selection panel of community representatives, arts professionals, and 35th Ward Staff to review the applications. The committee will select three finalists, who will be commissioned to develop public art proposals.

Finalists will present their design proposals to the selection committee, and a final artist or artist team will be selected.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants will be shortlisted based on a competitive review of the following: 

• Artistic excellence: demonstrated skill and quality craftsmanship in examples of past work; strength and originality of concept conveyed in the letter of interest.
• Meaningful intent for the project scope; or connection to place (site for artwork, neighborhood, community).

SCHEDULE

* All dates are approximate

 BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

• $1,000 – Finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop project proposals
• $40,000 – Commission to the artist, inclusive of artist fee and all expenses for artwork, including but not limited to design, materials, supplies, equipment, fabrication, structural engineer approval transportation, installation, and insurance.

Application Requirements

Each artist, artist team, or arts organization must submit an entirely digital application. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. * 

      Applications should include:  

1.      Letter of Interest: A one- (1) page letter of interest stating why the specific site is meaningful and appropriate for the applicant’s work, as well as initial conceptual ideas. 

2.      CV: A two- (2) page resume or curriculum vitae (CV). 

1.      If applying as an artist team or arts organization, provide one resume or CV for each team member. 

2.      If applying as an artist team or arts organization, a list of key team members and their roles/affiliations. 

3.      Past Work Samples: Six (6) to ten (10) total images of past large-scale public art and infrastructure projects by the artist or the artist team’s lead artist(s). 

2.      Optional: One (1) video, edited to no more than two (2) minutes in length, may also be submitted but is not required. 

3.      Annotated Image List: An annotated image list that includes the title, media, year completed, dimensions, location (if site-specific), project budget (if applicable), timeline, and client or commissioning entity for each corresponding image or video.   

a.                  If a video is submitted, please include two to three (2-3) sentences to describe its context. 

b.                  Please note that the annotated image list may include thumbnails of submitted images but does not replace the need to upload individual image files in fulfillment of a) above. 

*EXCEPTION:

 Artists, artist teams and arts organizations included in the City of Chicago Public Art Prequalified List 2023-2024 may submit to Brett Swinney, via email: brett.swinney@cityofchicago.org

• 1-page letter of interest
• Up to 5 new images of recent work
• Up to 1 new video of recent work (optional
• Annotated list of artworks

QUESTIONS:
Contact: Brett Swinney, Cultural Affairs Coordinator
brett.swinney@cityofchicago.org
All questions must be submitted via email. No phone calls.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open nationally to all professional artists and artist teams, though the project advisory panel may have a preference for locally-based artists and artist teams.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants will be shortlisted based on a competitive review of the following: 

• Artistic excellence: demonstrated skill and quality craftsmanship in examples of past work; strength and originality of concept conveyed in the letter of interest.
• Meaningful intent for the project scope; or connection to place (site for artwork, neighborhood, community).