SUMMARY OF THE OPPORTUNITY

The Northeast Levy Regional Senior Center 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 and enhance the north façade of the Levy Center.  Senior artists are encouraged to apply. Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity with artists they hope will apply.

The envelope for artwork is the area indicated by the yellow dashed lines in the attached site details, approximately 16.25’ H x 56’ W. Total wall dimensions are approximately 20’ H x 56’ W.  Artwork will likely be required to be removable and re-attachable to allow for inspection and maintenance of the building, in which case artwork will take the form of a mural painted on weatherproof panels, fastened to the wall at mortar lines. Designs will include proposed mounting systems to anchor the panels to the façade through the mortar joints while maintaining air circulation and drainage between the panels and the masonry, and concealing mounting apparatus. 

Designs will not engage the first 3.75’ of the wall above ground level, to avoid damage by snow, salt and snow clearing tools. The anticipated lifespan for the artwork, per Public Art Menu Program guidelines, is a minimum of 3 years, however the artwork for the Levy Center is intended to remain in place for as long as possible, provided it remains in good condition and does not endanger the building or passers-by.

Successful public art proposals will approach the site with a bold and creative vision that emphasizes the significant roles of seniors and the Levy Center in the community.  Designs will make passers-by aware of the rich array of cultural, social, and practical resources to be found at the Center.  They will honor the contributions of seniors present and past to the Ravenswood neighborhood and greater Lincoln Square community, representing the agency, vitality and rich life experience of Levy Center and Chicago seniors. 

Proposals will consider the existing architecture of the building and provide a welcoming face to the community while maintaining the accessibility and functionality of the adjacent public way.    Designs will include elements of an appropriate size, scale, and orientation to engage viewing from multiple potential vantage points, including pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  

For additional context please reference addenda provided at the end of this document:

• Community input provided at a public forum held on January 19, 2022, in the form of an audio recording
• Community input in response to a survey collected between January 19 – February 14, 2022

SITE & SERVICES

The Northeast Levy Regional Senior Center is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood within the Lincoln Square community on Chicago’s north side and is a resource for Chicago seniors for miles around.  It is managed by the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

As the City of Chicago’s primary social services funder and administrator, the Department of Family and Support Services manages a comprehensive, client-oriented human service delivery system that employs a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents. DFSS administers resources and provides assistance and support to a network of over 350 community-based organizations. The DFSS mission is: Working with community partners, we connect Chicago residents and families to resources that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive.

DFSS manages 21 senior centers across the city. The Levy Center is a Regional Senior Center and serves as an age-friendly community hub that recognizes the value of older adults and seeks to mobilize their interests, skills, talents, and experience. It connects seniors to social, recreational, economic and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Levy Center seniors are active participants in and coordinators of the center’s activities, teaching classes, serving on the Levy Center Auxiliary, and supporting and helping one another.  At its core, the Levy Center is a vibrant social community and a place for friendship. 

Senior Services Division of DFSS

The Senior Services Division is one of seven program areas within DFSS. The Senior Services Division is also designated as the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the City of Chicago. As the AAA, DFSS coordinates and funds services for older adults, prioritizing those in greatest economic and social need, those who live alone, and those at risk for institutional placement. Working in collaboration with aging network partners, the Senior Services Division’s efforts are guided by:

1. Supporting older persons to live independently in their own communities and homes for as long as possible;
2. Ensuring that those who reside in institutions are treated with dignity and care; and,
3. Guaranteeing that older persons have access to accurate information to participate in public policy.

Together with its service providers, the Senior Services Division provides vital information and assistance, congregate and home delivered meal services, senior centers, fitness classes, caregiver support services, in-home services, employment training and volunteer opportunities, elder rights programs, health promotion, and access to benefits.

COMMUNITY

The main area of community engagement is Lincoln Square, one of Chicago’s 77 Community Areas.  The neighborhoods around the site consist of a mix of single-family and multi-unit residences.  Based on the 2020 Census the area’s population is approximately 40,494.  As of 2019 the area’s demographics were approximately 64.5% White, 18.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 3.5% Black, and 4.8% Other/Multiple Races.  As of 2019 mean household income was $81,149.

SELECTION PROCESS

Following the RFQ application deadline, DCASE will convene a selection panel of community representatives, arts professionals, and Levy Center staff to review the applications. The committee will select 3-4 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.

SCHEDULE

* All dates are approximate

BUDGET

Finalists will be paid a $1,000 honorarium to develop proposals. 

The artwork commission will be $50,000, inclusive of all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through fabrication, site preparation, and installation.   

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.
• Artist’s connection to place (site for artwork, neighborhood) and the Levy Center’s mission

Application Requirements

HOW TO APPLY

• Application is available via CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org) at the following link:
  • https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=9649
• Interested applicants should register with CaFÉ to view the application. Deadline for submissions is 4/3/22 11:59 pm, CDT.
• For technical assistance using CaFÉ, please visit:
  • https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/
• Technical Support Session:
  • Monday, March 14, 2022
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT
  • Zoom
  • Register in advance for this meeting:
    • https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtcO-opjMvHt1IOfVeGJ4AzpaqP7mVGDQ7
    • After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

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

Incomplete applications will not be considered.*

Applications should include:

1. 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. 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.
   • If a video is submitted, please include two to three (2-3) sentences to describe its context.
   • Please note, 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.
4. If applying as an artist team or arts organization, a list of key team members and their roles/affiliations.
5. A two- (2) page resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
   • If applying as an artist team or arts organization, provide one resume or CV for each team member.
6. A one- (1) page letter of interest stating why the specific site of the Levy Center is meaningful and appropriate for the applicant’s work, as well as initial conceptual ideas.
7. Proof of Residence: PDF copy/ies of Artist's/Team's Illinois Driver's License(s) or State of Illinois ID(s), including both the front and back sides.

*Exception: Artists, artist teams and arts organizations included in the City of Chicago Public Art Prequalified List 2020-2022 may submit to joanna.goebel@cityofchicago.org, via email:

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

QUESTIONS

Contact: Joanna Goebel, Curator of Public art

Joanna.goebel@cityofchicago.org

(312) 744-0079

RFQ ADDENDA

• Community Input via 1/19/22 Community Forum
  • Audio recording of project Community Forum held January 19, 2022:
    • https://www.dropbox.com/s/olo378oapxkyd48/GMT20220120-001115_Recording.m4a?dl=0
• Community Input via Survey
  • The following input was provided in response to a community feedback survey circulated 1/19/22 – 2/14/22:
  • Question 1:
    • Why is the Northeast (Levy) Senior Center important to this community? To you?
  • Answers:
    • I walk past the Senior Center and it makes me happy that we are supporting everyone regardless of age in our community. I am not a senior (yet) but knowing this place exists gives me confidence that I can stay and prosper in the neighborhood for many years to come.
    • Good to have services in the area.
    • It's home.
    • It is at the end of our block and prior to Covid, many seniors were using the facility. I think it is important for seniors have a safe place to go.
    • A sense of community.
    • It is my longtime home neighborhood. I am glad to have senior programs in walking distance of where I live.
    • Northeast (Levy) Senior Center important to this community because provide a place where the community can learn more while socialize with other members.
    • Community with friends!
    • Social services provider.
    • … it is very important to the community to have supportive spaces for senior citizens.
    • It is a welcoming and inclusive community and resource to reach out to.
  • Question 2:
    • What aspects of the Northeast (Levy) Senior Center should people know about that may be overlooked by those outside the community?
  • Answers:
    • Honestly, I think the community needs to see that it is here. That this center exists. It looks like an office building and not a vibrant community center.
    • Prior to Covid, many seniors used the facility for different reasons- to get out of the cold/heat, to socialize, to be in a safe environment, learn new skills, etc.
    • Celebrate community and families.
    • Honor and highlight contributions of area seniors.
    • Showcase what’s inside.
    • Its employees are nice and welcome everyone. It's a very comfortable building, it offers important educational services to the community of seniors. It's a place to meet more members.
    • A lot of love can be found inside!
    • Many people, including average and low/no income individuals and families can find services and assistance here.
    • The hospitality is warm and welcoming. It’s a resource to address your everyday needs, socialize with your friends, get a warm meal, have a cup of coffee in the café, and even play table tennis. It’s just a fun place to be!
    • McPherson School is a block away, and occasionally there are nice connections between the school and the Levy Center. Prior to covid, when the school had its annual musical, seniors from the Levy Center were invited to attend the dress rehearsals to support the kids before the official performances.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:

The Northeast Levy Regional Senior Center 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 and enhance the north façade of the Levy Center.  Senior artists are encouraged to apply.