Organizer Information
Springfield Village, a forward-thinking community enclave nestled within Springfield’s urban fabric, orchestrates this innovative public art program through its Arts and Culture Committee in collaboration with local civic leaders and the Springfield Art Association. As a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization since its conceptual inception in the early 2020s, the Village has championed projects that blend functionality with artistic expression, transforming everyday infrastructure into cultural landmarks. Drawing on partnerships with the Illinois Arts Council and community funders, it prioritizes inclusive design that reflects diverse voices, from immigrant histories to contemporary social narratives. This open call exemplifies its ethos of accessible creativity, having previously supported over a dozen installations that enhance public interaction and draw regional acclaim. As a grassroots yet validated platform, Springfield Village empowers artists to infuse utility with imagination, fostering spaces that not only seat but also inspire dialogue, equity, and communal pride in the heart of the Midwest.
Title & Description
Springfield Village Public Seating Open Call – Designing Seats for Stories
This imaginative open call challenges artists and designers to reenvision public seating as sculptural narratives, merging form, function, and cultural resonance to create benches, chairs, or communal installations that invite reflection and connection. Themed around “Seats for Stories,” the initiative encourages proposals that embed local lore—such as Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, prairie resilience, or modern migration tales—into durable, weather-resistant designs. Participants will craft pieces that serve as both practical amenities and provocative art, placed in high-traffic village thoroughfares to spark serendipitous encounters. The purpose is to humanize urban spaces, promoting accessibility and sustainability while celebrating Springfield’s layered identity. Selected works will undergo community prototyping sessions, culminating in installations that turn passive sitting into active storytelling, offering creators a unique canvas to blend craftsmanship with conceptual depth in service of public joy and introspection.
Categories
- Sculpture and Functional Design (seating as art objects, e.g., benches with integrated motifs)
- Installation Art (communal seating arrays incorporating mixed media or interactivity)
- Furniture and Craft (handcrafted chairs or stools emphasizing materiality and narrative)
- Landscape Integration (outdoor seating tied to environmental or site-specific elements)
Eligibility
Open to artists, designers, and interdisciplinary teams residing in Illinois or adjacent Midwest states (e.g., Missouri, Indiana), with a preference for emerging talents and underrepresented communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled creators, women-led groups). No formal education required, but applicants must showcase prior work in public or functional art. Age 18+; collaborative proposals welcome. Exclusions: Immediate family of committee members or those with prior Village commissions in the last two years. International entries considered if partnered with local fabricators, emphasizing feasibility for on-site realization.
Program Benefits & Awards
Winning proposals receive an $8,000 fabrication grant, $1,500 artist stipend, and comprehensive support, including material sourcing, engineering consultations, and installation logistics—covering up to 80% of costs for sustainable builds. Seats become permanent Village fixtures, exposed to 40,000+ yearly visitors, with five-year maintenance guarantees and digital archiving for global portfolios. Additional honors: Feature in the Village’s annual arts report, local media spotlights, a dedication plaque crediting the creator, and invitations to networking mixers with regional curators. Finalists gain $300 feedback awards and public critiques, propelling professional growth through documented processes and potential replication in other civic projects—elevating functional art into a career-defining milestone.
Application Fee
No application fee, democratizing access for creators at all career stages and ensuring broad, equitable participation.
Application Requirements
- Concept proposal (600-900 words): Detailing design narrative, thematic ties to “Seats for Stories,” functionality (e.g., load-bearing specs), and community engagement strategy.
- Visual renderings: 6-10 sketches, 3D models, or prototypes (high-res PDF/JPG; include material swatches if applicable).
- Professional bio/CV (1-2 pages): Emphasizing relevant experience in public or functional design.
- Preliminary budget and timeline (simple spreadsheet): Projecting costs and 3-6 month fabrication phase.
- Accessibility statement (200 words): Addressing inclusivity features like armrests for mobility or braille engravings.
Optional: Community endorsement letter. All submissions in English; prioritize eco-friendly materials like recycled metals or FSC-certified wood.
How to Apply?
Please send your submission to: springfieldvillage@andlondon.net (as a single PDF – max 15MB) with the subject line ‘NAME_Open Call – Public Seating’.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
- Notification Date: 15 April 2026
- Finalist Workshops: May-June 2026
- Fabrication & Installation: July-September 2026
- Public Dedication: October 2026
Location
Springfield Village, Springfield, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
A balanced jury of artists, architects, and Village residents evaluates on narrative strength (40%), innovation in function (30%), sustainability (20%), and public appeal (10%), conducting blind initial reviews for fairness. Designs must meet ADA compliance, withstand 500+ lbs, and use non-toxic finishes; prototypes may be requested for finalists. Artists retain copyrights but license perpetual public display. Site visits (virtual/in-person) are advised for contextual inspiration. Funded via community bonds and arts grants, this call extends prior successes like the 2025 Story Poles series, inviting seating that not only supports bodies but sustains spirits—bridging utility and poetry in Springfield’s communal heartbeat. Download the full PDF for templates and specs.
Website Link: https://www.andlondon.net/
