The Great ARTdoors Call for Proposals 

  • The Great ARTdoors Call for Proposals

    The Great ARTdoors, a collaboration between the Urbana Park District, the Champaign Park District, UIUC College of Fine and Applied Arts, Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Illinois Arboretum, and 40 North, is kicking off a new cycle of awarding selected local artists stipends to create outdoor art installations in several Champaign and Urbana parks and community gardens. This program is once again guided by the belief that public art has the ability to visually and intellectually activate outdoor spaces by reinforcing social connectivity, providing a sense of belonging, and sparking dialogue. This project is also committed to compensating and validating local artists, prioritizing underserved communities, and ensuring accessibility for all. The 12 selected artists will receive a $1,500 stipend and the artwork will be featured in one of designated locations. Artists are asked to submit a proposal of artwork by 11:59pm on May 18th. Selected artists will be notified via email by May 25th and artwork will need to be ready to install by June 22, 2026. The selected artworks will remain installed approximately through the end of November.  

  • Proposals reflecting these themes will be given prioritization:

    • Lifting up Local Stories: Celebrating Illinoisans’ unique contributions to the nation’s story. By honoring diverse communities, historical events, and cultural milestones, it connects people to Illinois’ rich heritage and the shared values that have shaped our democracy.
    • Power of Place - Nature and the Pursuit of Happiness: The Pursuit of Happiness comes to life in Illinois’ abundant natural landscapes.
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  • REQUIREMENTS:

    ·       You must be an artist living or working in Champaign County

    ·       Artists must submit up to 10 images of related work and/or preliminary drawings, diagrams, photographs, or models of final concept to be considered - images must be submitted as jpegs not to exceed 2MB each

    ·       All files should be labeled with name and title of work. Ex: Yourname_titleofwork.jpg

    ·       Please include a separate image list file with the following information for each image: title, medium, dimensions (including depth if 3D), date

    ·       Artists must also include a written description in pdf format of proposed artwork including all relevant details (including specific materials to be used and any special installation requirements)

    ·       No submission fee required

    ·       All artwork should be designed to withstand outdoor environmental conditions for at least 6 months and must be constructed from materials that can withstand all types of weather

    ·       If selected, finished artwork must correspond completely with original proposal – any changes will require approval

    ·       Artwork should be family friendly and appropriate for public spaces

    ·       Collaborations are permitted and encouraged, but stipends are per sculpture, not per artist

    ·       Artwork should be able to be fastened safely to a vertical (from 6 to 10 feet) 4”x4” post of pressure treated lumber that will be set 2 feet into the ground (e.g., wrapped around the post, a platform set a top the post, a painting screwed directly to the post, multiple pieces attached to multiple sections of the post, etc.) Artists can also suggest and provide detailed instructions on an alternative installation to be considered that would have no lasting impact or damage to the park grounds

    ·       Artwork will be manually installed so therefore able to be lifted by a maximum of 2 people – no large mechanical equipment will be provided

    ·       Artwork can be one individual piece or made up of multiple parts

    ·       Submission of work indicates that the artist has an understanding that no party assumes responsibility for any damage or loss – selected artists will be required to sign a waiver

    ·       Selected artists retain ownership and rights to the artwork but are expected to honor 6 month display duration

    ·       Selected artwork must be ready to install by June 22nd

    ·       Removal of artworks – Artists will be expected to assist with removal (if unable to assist with removal and claiming of artwork, artists surrender ownership)

     

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