Call Description

Complete RFP details

ABOUT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Skokie Public Library is the heart of a vibrant village where people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures engage in lifelong learning and discovery while actively participating in the life of the community.

As a springboard for personal growth and community development, Skokie Public Library promotes discovery, enrichment, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas through a broad spectrum of resources and experiences.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK SITE

The Skokie Public Library was renovated in 2021 and is seeking artwork for its second-floor landing, at the top of the main staircase. Two walls are available for artwork. The south wall measures 17’8.5” L x 9’11.5” H, and the west wall measures 32’5.5” L x 9’11.5” H. There is a small amount of floor space in front of the work (37 in. on the south and 22 in. on the west), protected by a 42 in glass railing, but the space is not appropriate for the public to approach the art up close. Therefore, we are looking for artwork that has an impact from a distance. Please see https://skokie.info/RFPimages for photos of the space. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our public space at 5215 Oakton Street during regular hours.

ARTISTIC OBJECTIVES

In support of the library’s mission to encourage lifelong learning and discovery, Skokie Public Library is looking for artwork that inspires and enlightens, reflects the evolving diversity of our community, provokes further investigation and deeper understanding, and cultivates a culture of art appreciation. The Skokie Public Library serves a thriving and vibrant population with varied backgrounds; in a survey of first languages spoken at home, respondents named over 90 different languages. We welcome artists of diverse backgrounds who reflect Skokie’s community and work that uses a range of methodologies and materials. The selected piece will be viewed from multiple vantage points and should complement the architectural character of the space. Ideally, the artwork would create opportunities for public engagement related to the individual work and the broader collection.

BUDGET DETAILS

The not-to-exceed budget for this project is $75,000. This budget covers all expenses associated with the completion and installation of the work, including, but not limited to, the project design, materials, fabrication, tools, project management, operations, meetings, travel, installation, licenses, insurance, contracted services, delivery of the work to the site, and documentation of the completed project. Finalists should provide budgetary guidelines for the project. Expenses outside of the artist’s commission and fees will be handled in coordination with the library. Any expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility.

The artist is responsible for coordinating installation with Skokie Public Library to oversee all aspects, including, but not limited to, being present on site.

SELECTION PROCESS

The library’s art committee will review the submissions of eligible applicants.

At least three artists/teams will be selected as semifinalists and paid a fee not to exceed $1,000. This fee may be used to further develop their formal proposal, concept, visit the library, and participate in an interview. After the presentations, the committee will select a winning artist/team for the commission. Correspondence will be sent to the semifinalists and to the winning artist/team detailing the proposal process and contracts.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

Submissions for Call to Artists 
DUE: Friday, May 1, 2026

Selection of semifinalists
June 2026

Artist(s) design/development interviews
August 2026

Final selection of artist
September 2026

Artist(s) artwork implementation
Q4 2026

Artwork installation completion
Q2 2027

AGREEMENT

Skokie Public Library reserves the right to alter any aspect of the timeline, selection process, or overall project in any way for its own convenience at any time. This Request for Proposals does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and these provisions are subject to change.

Application Requirements

Please include

• Statement of interest (What is your artistic practice and how would you use it in this space?) (2-page max)
• Artist CV (2-page max)
• 8-10 images of relevant work
• Artist’s website or social media handle (optional)

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to all professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations:

• Must reside in the United States
• Must be 18 years or older