Organizer Information
The Illinois Capital Development Board Art-in-Architecture Program commissions original public artworks for state-funded buildings across Illinois. Established in 1977, the program promotes local artistic talent, preserves Illinois art, and enriches public spaces by setting aside a portion of state construction funds for artwork. Each project is overseen by a committee of art professionals and architects to ensure high-quality, contextually relevant installations. The program has a long history of purchasing or commissioning works from Illinois-based artists for permanent public display.
Title & Description
Art-in-Architecture: Illinois State University Fine Arts Complex, Normal, IL – RFQ 2026
The Art-in-Architecture Program invites Illinois-based professional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams to submit qualifications to create a permanent site-specific exterior artwork for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Complex at Illinois State University (ISU) in Normal, Illinois.
The commissioned artwork will be installed in the Commons Courtyard, a prominent space connecting the Visual Arts and Performing Arts centers, directly in front of the Student Art Gallery. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from ISU’s cultural, historical, and environmental context, including the campus’s Fell Arboretum, recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education Institution. Submissions may incorporate Visual Art, Sculpture, Installation, Mixed Media, or Interdisciplinary Arts approaches.
This opportunity emphasizes durable, low-maintenance artworks suitable for outdoor public spaces. Community engagement is encouraged, offering visitors visual interaction opportunities, but climbing or sitting on the artwork is prohibited. Artists retain copyright, while submitted works become property of the Capital Development Board program, and the selected artist/team will collaborate with the CDB and other stakeholders on fabrication, installation, and documentation.
Categories
Visual Art, Sculpture, Installation, Mixed Media, Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Must be a professional artist, artisan, or artist-led team residing and working in Illinois.
- All team members must be Illinois-based.
- Faculty or staff of ISU are ineligible.
- Use of subcontractors for technical implementation is allowed under the artist's supervision.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Budget: $195,000 total for all expenses, including design, materials, fabrication, tools, installation, project management, meetings, travel, insurance, and documentation.
- Semi-finalist Fee: At least three semi-finalists will receive $3,000 each to develop site-specific proposals.
- Exposure: Installation in a prominent, high-traffic public courtyard within the ISU Fine Arts Complex.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Capital Development Board, project architects, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Legacy: Permanent artwork contributing to Illinois public art collections.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter/Letter of Intent: One page maximum, specifying the project and contact information.
- Résumé: For individual artists or all team members.
- Artwork Images: Up to 15 JPEGs (600x800px, 72–300 dpi, max 1 MB per image), named systematically.
- Image List Document: Numbered list with titles, media, dimensions, date, location, budget (optional), and brief description.
- Optional Support Materials: Press clippings, volunteer work, prior commissions, or other relevant information (max one page).
- Submission Format: All files via email; PDFs/Word for documents, JPEGs for images.
- Do not submit design proposals.
How to Apply?
Email portfolio materials to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 March 2026
- Semi-finalist Selection & Fee: Following application review
- Proposal Development & Presentations: After semi-finalist selection
Location
Normal, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
- Artwork site offers 1,045 sq. ft. of space in the Commons Courtyard.
- Artwork must comply with ADA and the Illinois Accessibility Code.
- Outdoor installation requires durability and minimal annual maintenance.
- Community engagement and visual interaction (e.g., photography) are encouraged.
- All submittals become property of the CDB program and may be publicly viewed.
- Legal and project terms may be adjusted by the Capital Development Board at their discretion.