Elmhurst Public Librarycommission
Elmhurst Public Library Patio Artwork RFP
artgoat.comCommissionMultidisciplinary
- Who Can Apply: Artists aged 18 or older who reside in the Chicago region and have experience creating artwork for a public outdoor setting.
- The Focus: Permanent, family-friendly wall-mounted artwork in any reasonable medium for the Library's renovated outdoor patio.
- Compensation: Contract of up to $20,000, all-inclusive of artist fees, design, fabrication, structural engineering, insurance, installation, travel and transportation, paid in thirds. No proposal stipend.
- Key Requirements: Online form: statement of interest (250 words max), proposal narrative (500 words max), itemized budget, renderings of the proposed artwork, up to 5 images each of 3 past works with details, resume or CV, and two professional references.
DeadlineTuesday, December 15, 2026
PayMaximum $20,000 contract, all-inclusive of artist fees and all expenses for design, fabrication, structural engineering, insurance, installation, travel, transportation and consultation. No finalist or proposal stipend is offered.
LocationChicago, IL
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesAll Stages
Disciplinespublic art
Age range18–
Application notesApply through the Library's online submission form (also reachable at elmlib.org/art). The form asks for: name, email and phone; whether you live in Chicago or one of its surrounding areas; a website featuring your art; a statement of interest of no more than 250 words; a narrative explanation of the proposed artwork of no more than 500 words covering your experience creating artwork for a public outdoor setting (including the durability of the materials), the availability of work or your ability to produce a site-specific piece, and any connection to Elmhurst; a proposed budget broken down by materials, design, fabrication, structural engineering, insurance, installation, travel and transportation, consultation fees and artist's fee; one or more images, renderings or representations of the proposed artwork; samples of 3 previous works with up to 5 images of each, and for each work its location, dimensions, medium/material, creation date, budget and commissioning agency; a resume or CV; and two professional references with knowledge of your artistic work. The artwork must be original, withstand the outdoor elements, be maintenance-free, need no water or electricity and be mountable without damaging the stonework. A site visit is encouraged. Questions about the RFP may be sent to MaryBeth.Harper@elmlib.org by December 14, 2026. Note on the form (checked October 6, 2026): the upload fields for the proposal renderings and for previous works #1 and #2 accept up to 5 files each, but the upload field for previous work #3 was set to accept only one file despite its 'up to 5 images' label; contact the Library if you cannot attach all your images for the third work.
ContactMaryBeth.Harper@elmlib.org
Elmhurst Public Library
Organization based in Elmhurst