Morrow Plots Revitalization Project, Urbana, IL
Budget: $265,000
Deadline: 04/30/2025
Call Summary
This call is open to professional artists or artist teams with experience in public art, sculpture, or site-specific installations. Artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply.
We seek artists or artist teams to create artwork that:
1. Showcases the historical and agricultural significance of the Morrow Plots, highlighting the advancements driven by decades of research. Additional information about the Morrow plots can be found here: https://aces.illinois.edu/research/history/morrow-plots.
2. Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the site while respecting its research and educational function.
3. Incorporates durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor installation.
Budget Description
Initial design considerations should be focused on balancing the commissioned artwork with the functionality of the new border, strategically placing pieces within the fencing, at the south entrance gate, or on the corner masonry pillars. A landscape architect will be hired as part of the project team to provide the overall design of the Morrow Plots Revitalization project and will work closely with the selected artist to ensure that the proposed artwork is coordinated in the design.
The budget for the specific commissioned artwork shall include all expenses associated with, but not limited to the design proposals, design, labor, fabrication, project management, materials, tools, contracted services, operations and meetings, travel required to complete the artwork plus installation, relate permits, licenses, taxes, insurance, transportation, and delivery of the work to the site, as well as documentation of the complete project. Any Expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility. If special installation requirement are need for large and/or complex pieces, the artist is responsible for working with the University of Illinois Facilities & Services and other relevant partners to oversee all aspects of the installation.
Project Description
The revitalization project will include the removal of overgrown hedges, installation of new fencing or some type of border, improved signage, landscaping to enhance visibility and accessibility, and new artwork. As part of this effort, funds from the 2024 John N. Chester Estate Endowment Fund will be used to commission artwork that integrates seamlessly with the new masonry fencing/border surrounding the plots. For example, the artwork may be stand alone or incorporated into fence panels, special gates, cast medallions, etc. The artwork should embody the rich legacy of agricultural innovation and research achievements cultivated over 150 years by Morrow plows.
Artwork Goals
Commission artwork that integrates seamlessly with the new masonry fencing/border surrounding the plots. For example, the artwork may be stand alone or incorporated into fence panels, special gates, cast medallions, etc. The artwork should embody the rich legacy of agricultural innovation and research achievements cultivated over 150 years by Morrow plows.Artwork Goals
Artwork Location Description
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Morrow Plots – https://aces.illinois.edu/research/history/morrow-plots
Eligibility
Interested artists should submit:
1. A brief statement of interest (1-2 pages) outlining their approach to the project. The statement should relate the artist’s prior work to the artistic objectives of this call for art.
2. A portfolio of previous work (as JPEG or PDF files, at most 14 images).
3. An updated CV or resume for all participating artists with current contact information.
4. References of at least three professionals (commissioning agency or organization, design or arts professional, architect, landscape architect, engineer, etc.) who have a detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods, including contact name, complete address, telephone number, and email for each reference.
5. For more information or questions, contact Darlene Dallas at drdallas@illinois.edu or 217-333-7563, and submit all materials electronically to the same email with the subject line: Morrow Plots Art Proposal Submission.
Application Requirements
Resume: 3 page(s) maximum
Work examples: 1 – 14
Letter of Interest : 600 word maximum
A brief statement of interest (1-2 pages) outlining their approach to the project. The statement should relate the artist’s prior work to the artistic objectives of this call for art.
References: 3
Selection Information
Selection Process
The first stage is a request for qualifications, the application process for which is described below. In the second stage, selected artists/teams may be asked to develop and submit a more detailed artwork proposal specific to this project and will then be paid a fee of $1,000 per artist/team. The expectation is that one of the second-stage proposals will then be selected for the final commission.
Request for qualifications responses are due by April 30, 2025. A selection committee will review proposals based on artistic merit, relevance to the site, durability, and feasibility. The goal is to have artwork in place in the summer/fall of 2026.
https://www.publicartist.org/artist/call.cfm?id=7028&CFID=8101087&CFTOKEN=985f370b2fde6810-83AEB1EC-C349-8D45-AF8B56975FE6745E