The Art-in-Architecture Program of the Capital Development Board is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Education Building in Chicago, Illinois. FINAL DEADLINE Wednesday, June 17, 2026
CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov
Note: Applying before the final deadline is highly encouraged. Any portfolio submitted after the deadline will not be considered for this project.
ARTWORK SITE AND OBJECTIVES
The Committee is seeking to commission one artist to create two complimentary exterior sculptures for the north and south plazas. The pair of sculptural elements form a clear visual and spatial connection between the plazas anchoring the offset walkways and establishing pedestrian destinations. The artworks should draw inspiration from Education and NEIU’s connection with Native American history, notably the Peace Fire Circle. Artists are not limited to a specific medium or style, though lighting must be incorporated into the final design.
The artwork must be durable and safe with limited annual maintenance as well as meet regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Fine Arts Review Committee will review the portfolios of eligible applicants. At least three artists/teams will be selected as semi-finalists and paid a fee of $4,500 each to develop and present a site specific proposal. After the proposal presentations, the Committee will select a winning artist/team for the commission. Correspondence will be sent to the semi-finalists and to the winning artist/team detailing the proposal process and contracts.
BUDGET DETAILS
The budget for the artwork is $375,000, which covers all expenses associated with the completion and installation of the both artworks including, but not limited to: the project design, materials, tools, fabrication, foundations, electrical, project management, operations, meetings, travel, installation, licenses, insurance, contracted services, delivery of the work to the site, and documentation of the completed project. Any expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility.
The artist is responsible for working with the Capital Development Board Art-in-
Architecture Program, the client agency, and other relevant partners to oversee all aspects of the art installation.
HOW TO APPLY
Email portfolio materials to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov no later than
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Any portfolio submitted after the deadline will not be considered for this project.
IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED TO THE ILLINOIS ART-IN-ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
Please email the following:
Cover Letter- letter of intent or artist statement (one page maximum)
• Include the project in which you are applying
• Include name and contact information- address, telephone number, and email address
IF YOU HAVE NEVER APPLIED TO THE ILLINOIS ART-IN-ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM OR YOU WISH TO UPDATE YOUR PORTFOLIO
Please email a full portfolio which includes one copy of each of the following:
Cover Letter- letter of intent or artist statement (one page maximum)
• Include the project in which you are applying
• Include name and contact information- address, telephone number, and email
address
Résumé (include contact information)
• If applying as a team, provide a resume for each team member
Artwork Images (up to 15 images for individuals or teams
• One image per JPEG
• Pixel dimensions per image: approximately 600 x 800
• Image resolution: 72-300 pixels per inch
• Name each image: lastnamefirstnameimagenumber.jpg, for example:
KahloFrida01.jpg
KahloFrida02.jpg
KahloFrida03.jpg, etc.
Artwork Image List (one document)
• A corresponding, numbered image list listing the artwork title, media,
dimensions, date, location (if applicable), budget (if applicable), and brief
description (optional)
• Do not include images within this document
Support Material (OPTIONAL)
• One page maximum
• Press clippings, volunteer work, artwork/commission spotlight, or other
relevant information
Please note:
• Attach all files to the email
• JPEG files are required for artwork images
• PDF or Word files are required for all documents
• Name each document “lastnamefirstname_document”, for example:
KahloFrida_coverletter.pdf
KahloFrida_imagelist.doc
• DO NOT include artwork images within the body of the email
• DO NOT send design proposals
All submittals become property of the Capital Development Board Art-in-
Architecture Program. Submissions can be made available for public viewing. The artist retains copyright.
LEGAL AGREEMENT
The Capital Development Board Art-in-Architecture Program reserves the right to alter any aspect of the selection process or overall project in any way for its own
convenience at any time. This Request for Qualifications does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and these provisions are subject to change.
QUESTIONS
The Art-in-Architecture Procedure Manual, commission opportunities, and other
information are posted at AIA Program website. For questions, contact the Art-in-
Architecture Program at CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov.