40 North and the Champaign Park District invite muralists to submit an application to develop a mural in the entrance and lobby of Leonhard Recreation Center. Funding for this mural is made possible through a grant from Illinois Arts Council. Submissions must be received by 11:59pm on Monday, August 25.
The mission of the Champaign Park District is to enhance the community’s quality of life through positive experiences in parks, recreation, and cultural arts.
Application Requirements:
Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution, including hiring and paying assistants if needed. All applicants will be notified by email of the final artist selection. The selected artist will develop a mural design and work with 40 North and members of the Champaign Park District to approve a final layout and establish a timeline for completing the mural.
The selected artist will be compensated in two installments. The first payment, paid upon contract, will include the design fee, and cost to cover project mobilization and materials. The second payment will pay the balance of the fee upon final acceptance of the mural installation. The mural will have an overall budget of $20,000.
To be considered, applicants must include the following:
- Small portfolio (5-8 images) of past mural works (preferred) or non-mural works most similar to the project.
- For each artwork, please provide title, media, dimensions, year produced, budget, and location.
- Artist statement: including biography, website, and/or social media
- Submit a preliminary budget (based on square footage, location, painting surface, the complexity of style) - be sure to include any equipment rentals, materials, and assistant fees if any.
LOCATION
The mural will be located in the front entry space and lobby of Leonhard Recreation Center in Champaign, Illinois. The area to be painted is approximately 700 square feet.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Artistic excellence and originality
- Artist’s experience with public or large-scale mural(s)
- Artist’s ability to produce work that speaks to the design aesthetic of Leonhard Recreation Center and the Champaign Park District
- Artist's ability to meet overall project budget requirements
- Artists's ability to complete the project by end of install period
PROJECT TIMELINE
- July 2025: Call for Portfolios Opens
- August 25, 2025: Application Closes
- Week of September 1: Committee Review
- September 5: Select Artists Notification for initial mural design
- September 15, 2025: Artist begin murals
- Ocotber 2025: Mural completed
If you have questions, please contact 40 North at:
Phone: 217.351.9841
Email: kwhite@40north.org