Budget: $7,500
Deadline: 03/13/2026
Call Summary
Project Overview
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Freeport Art Museum (FAM) invites qualifications from Illinois-based professional artists to serve as Lead Artist for United We Create, a community-driven mural project to be installed in the Freeport Art Museum’s public plaza.
The selected artist will design and lead the creation of a large-scale public mural developed through meaningful engagement with youth and community members. The project will explore shared histories, civic and collective visions for the nation’s future, while grounding national themes in local stories and place-based research. The completed mural will be a long-term, highly visible artwork installed in FAM Arts Plaza downtown. Anofficial unveiling will be hel during an awards celebration on thegrounds of the plaza on September 12, 2026.
Budget Description
The Lead Artist will receive a $7,500 honorarium, with additional support provided for travel, materials, equipment, and community programming.
Project Description
Community Engagement & Educational Components
The Lead Artist will collaborate closely with FAM staff and community partners to guide a participatory creative process that includes:
• Storytelling Workshops: Facilitated sessions with youth and community mem bers exploring themes such as democracy, representation, and civic values through writing prompts and sketching.
- Local History & Place-Based Research: Engagement with archival materials, photographs, and oral histories in partnership with the Stephenson County Historical Society and the Freeport Public Library to inform mural content.
- Art Translation Sessions: Hands-on workshops where youth participants work with the Lead Artist to translate stories and historical themes into visual imagery.
• Public Interpretation: Development of content for a QR-code–accessible audio component sharing project background, participant voices, and historical context.
Scope of Work
The selected Lead Artist will be responsible for:
Collaborating with FAM staff to plan and facilitate community engagement activities
Developing a final mural design informed by community input and local history
Leading and participating in mural painting sessions
Working within the approved project timeline and budget
Coordinating with FAM on documentation and interpretive materials
Artist Honorarium & Support
The Lead Artist will receive an honorarium of $7,500, with additional project support provided for:
• Travel and lodging (as applicable)
• Mural materials and equipment
• Community workshops and engagement sessions
• Marketing, documentation, and public programming
Eligibility
This RFQ is open to Illinois-based professional artists with demonstrated experience in:
• Large-scale mural or public art projects
• Community-engaged or participatory art practices
• Collaborative work with youth and diverse communities
Artists from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
Interested artists should submit the following as a single PDF:
1. Letter of Interest (no more than 2 pages) describing relevant experience and interest in the project
2. Artist Resume or CV
3. Work Samples (up to 10 images of past mural or community-based projects, with brief descriptions)
4. References (2–3 professional references with contact information)
Please note: No project proposals or design concepts are requested at this stage.
Timeline (Anticipated)
• January–March: RFQ published and submissions collected
• March 27: Lead Artist selected
• April–June: Community workshops and final design development
• June-July: Mural painting sessions
• September 12: Public unveiling and community celebration
Submission Instructions
Submit qualifications electronically to:
info@freeportartmuseum.org
Questions regarding this RFQ may be directed to:
Jessica J. Modica, Executive Director
Email: jmodica@freeportartmuseum.org
The Freeport Art Museum reserves the right to modify the project scope, schedule, or selection process. Submission of qualifications does not guarantee selection.
Artwork Goals
The museum anticipates creating one mural for one (or more) of the four billboard spaces in our Arts Plaza.
We are interested in working with the lead artist on at least 3 sessions to invite community members (youth and adults) to collaborate on mural imagery – either through hands on design sessions, storytelling, concept ideas, or a combination of all of these
Artwork Location Descriptions
The mural project will be installed in the Freeport Art Museum’s public plaza. We have 4 billboard spaces that can be selected by the artist. Here are the approximate dimensions of each billboard:
1) 7 ft. x 12 ft.
2) 7 ft. x 24 ft.
3) 7 ft. x 16 ft.
4) 7 ft. x 16 ft.
This vibrant, arts-based civic space is a key contributor in fostering community engagement, developing art and cultural experiences that help facilitate economic development, and welcoming residents and visitors to Freeport.
The Arts Plaza project inspires and sparks creativity for all those who encounter the space, both on a daily basis and during programmed performances and community-wide events. It has become one of the City’s most dynamic cornerstones, providing the Freeport Art Museum with a highly visible setting where we can present creative, culturally enriching programs for everyone.
Site History
MISSION: The Freeport Art Museum creates experiences that spark imagination and engagement in the arts for all people by presenting exhibitions and cultural events, advancing arts education and excelling in collections stewardship.
HISTORY: Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum (FAM) is currently housed in a converted brick school built in 1911 but is moving downtown. This much anticipated move will place the museum on the same city block as the newly developed Arts Plaza and will create a dynamic cultural campus with its proximity to the public library, the Lincoln-Douglas Debate square and Union Dairy. The Museum exhibits art from its large collection as well as regional contemporary artists, and brings traveling exhibitions to the community. FAM supports performing arts and develops art education programming for all ages.
Eligibility
This RFQ is open to Illinois-based professional artists with demonstrated experience in:
• Large-scale mural or public art projects
• Community-engaged or participatory art practices
• Collaborative work with youth and diverse communities
Artists from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Biography
Resume: 1 page(s) maximum
Work examples: 1 – 10
References: 2
Selection Process
Qualifications will be reviewed by a selection panel composed of representatives from:
• Freeport Art Museum staff and board
• The City of Freeport Arts and Culture Commission
Finalists may be invited to an interview or asked to provide additional information. The Lead Artist is expected to be selected by March 27.
Contact Information
Jessica Modica, Director
121 N. Harlem Ave.
Freeport IL 61032
info@freeportartmuseum.org
(815) 235-9755