2017 will be the Year of Public Art in Chicago! The theme for the Year of Public Art is 50 x 50, which seeks to celebrate and create new public art in all 50 wards. In order to accomplish this, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has created a special program for Neighborhood Arts Projects.

Aldermen may opt in to the program by choosing to dedicate a portion of their 2017 menu allocation to commission public art for their ward. These menu funds will be matched up to $10,000 by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

An open call process will invite artists, artist teams and arts organizations applying with a lead artist (Artists) to submit their qualifications for the project. DCASE and representatives from Chicago’s cultural community will review the applications and create a pool of pre-qualified Artists for Aldermen to choose from.  The selected Artists will work with DCASE, Aldermen and residents to develop public artworks. 

We hope to include Artists from across the City, and so we need everyone’s help to promote this opportunity.  Our goal is to commission a diverse range of projects that celebrate public art in our neighborhoods and in our everyday, civic lives.

Project Implementation

Phase 1a - Artist Selection: Prequalified Artist List

1. DCASE will assemble a panel to review applications and create a list of pre-qualified Artists for Aldermen to choose from. The goal is to create an impartial and competitive list that reflects a mix of creative viewpoints, expressions, ideas and populations.

   1. Artists will be reviewed on the following criteria:

      Artistic merit and professional qualifications as evidenced in a professional portfolio.

      Experience working with communities, government agencies and diverse stakeholder groups.

      Ability to develop a meaningful and impactful artwork that meets the goals of the project within the timeline and budget.

Phase 1b - Artist Selection: Aldermen Review of Prequalified Artist List

Phase 2 - Proposal Development

1. The selected Artists will be contracted by DCASE to develop a project proposal. 
2. Participating Aldermanic Offices will develop goals and priorities statements that include potential project sites, community development priorities, and a list of key stakeholders and community groups.
3. The goals and priorities statement will become the basis for the Artists’ own investigation and engagement in the neighborhood.  Artists will have one month to complete their research within the community and develop their project proposal.
4. DCASE will work with the Artists to guide the development of their proposals. The Artists will present two design proposals for each Alderman to choose from.

Phase 3- Project Execution

1. Upon selection and approval of their proposal by the Alderman, Artists will be contracted by DCASE to implement their project.
2. DCASE will maintain appropriate communication with the Aldermanic Offices throughout the implementation process and will notify them of any substantial changes that impact the project’s design, scope, content or timeline.

Guidelines

Budget

1. Aldermen may contribute a portion of their 2017 in menu money for artists to create new, public artwork in their ward.
2. Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will match each Alderman’s contribution up to $10,000.
3. Based on the available budget, DCASE will work with Aldermanic Offices to determine the number of the projects and their budget size.  Typical project budgets will range from $10,000 - $20,000.  

Eligible Projects

1. Priority will be given to projects that activate City-owned sites including vacant lots, facilities and the public right-of-way. The feasibility of other project locations will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
2. Projects must be accessible and/or visible to the public, and constructed of durable materials that require minimal to no maintenance. Artworks should be designed with the expectation that the artwork will contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the ward in which it is placed for a minimum of 5 years.
3. DCASE will accept responsibility for minimal, routine maintenance during the project’s lifespan, and consistent with applicable artist rights laws, reserves the right to remove artworks that become cost prohibitive to maintain, or present an immediate hazard to public safety.   

What to Submit

Artists and Artist Teams

1. 10 total images of past work for all team members.
2. One video, edited to no more than 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, and retail or commission price (if applicable) for each corresponding image. If a video is submitted, please include 2-3 sentences that describe its context.
4. 2 page resume or curriculum vitae for each artist.
5. 1 page letter of interest stating the artist/artist team’s specific interest in the Neighborhood Arts Project.

Arts Organizations

1. 10 total images of past work for the lead artists and arts organization.
2. One video, edited to no more than 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, and retail or commission price (if applicable) for each corresponding image. If a video is submitted, please include 2-3 sentences that describe its context.
4. Programmatic Activities List - Provide a list of all artistic programs planned for your organization's current season or fiscal year. Give sites, dates and a description of events. Identify clearly which programs occurred within the city of Chicago.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria