CALL TO ARTISTS
The Art-in-Architecture Program of the Capital Development Board is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois professional artists for ARTWORK PURCHASES for the Western Illinois University Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts in Macomb, Illinois.
FINAL DEADLINE Wednesday, October 21, 2026 3:00 P.M.
CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov
Applying before the deadline is highly recommended. Any portfolio received after the deadline will not be considered.
ELIGIBILITY
These public art purchases are open to all professional artists, artisans, or artist- led teams that live and work in the state of Illinois.
• An artist/artisan is defined as a skilled practitioner that generates designs and concepts for creative works that reflect form, beauty, and aesthetic perception.
• Faculty and staff of Western Illinois University are not eligible to apply.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Construction of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts at Western Illinois University commenced in September 2022 and will reach completion in time for the first performance on September 16, 2026.
The Center will support the academic mission and programs in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as serve as a cultural and performing arts destination for the campus community, the city of Macomb, and the entire region.
The Goldfarb Center will be the first Macomb campus building constructed with public funds in nearly 40 years. The 100,000-square foot Goldfarb Center will include an 870-seat proscenium theatre (Great Hall) and a 200-seat studio theatre (Clow Theatre). The facility will also house dance, jazz, and theatre rehearsal studios to fulfill the academic mission of the building. The Great Hall will serve as the premier performing arts facility, on campus and in the region, for live theatre performances and major music performances.
“The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts represents the heart of this region.” — William T. “Billy” Clow [the late Dean of the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication, and the driving force behind the Center]
ARTWORK SITE
The Committee is seeking two artworks to be installed on the center wall of the mezzanine level. The mezzanine will serve as a public gathering space for students and event patrons. The mezzanine includes three walls suitable for art. The left and right walls will display large, colorful, abstract paintings from WIU’s permanent collection. The two pieces purchased through the Art-in-Architecture program would complement the pieces from the permanent collection. Reference the photographs of the mezzanine.
The artworks must have a maximum projection off the wall of 4” or less to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code for protruding objects.
Note: The maximum size per artwork is 5×7’. The Committee is open to purchasing more than two pieces for the center wall.
ARTISTIC OBJECTIVES
The Committee is seeking two-dimensional artwork or three-dimensional pieces suitable for hanging. There is no limit regarding type of media (i.e. painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, collage, mixed-media, metal, wood, etc.), but abstract or non-objective artwork is preferred at this phase, though all subject-matter is welcome. The artworks submitted do not need to be in a series/ diptych; they can be stand alone pieces.
The artworks must be durable, safe, and require limited to no maintenance.
Note: The work submitted within your portfolio images does not have to be framed, but must be framed (if applicable) upon delivery to WIU.
BUDGET DETAILS
The total budget available to purchase the artworks is $13,325. The set cost listed in your portfolio for each artwork includes the artwork, frame (if applicable), hanging hardware, and S&H or delivery. State purchases are tax exempt.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Fine Arts Review Committee will meet, review all qualified applicants’ portfolios, and select artwork to purchase. All artwork submitted must be original and available for purchase. Correspondence will be sent to the selected artists detailing the acquisition process.
HOW TO APPLY
Email portfolio materials to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov no later than Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Any portfolio submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Your portfolio must include 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)
Artwork Images (up to 15 images)
• One image per JPEG
• Pixel dimensions per image: approximately 600 x 800
• Image resolution: 72-300 pixels per inch
• Maximum file size per image: 1MB
• Name each image: lastnamefirstnameimagenumber.jpg, for example:
KahloFrida01.jpg, KahloFrida02.jpg, KahloFrida03.jpg, etc.
Artwork Image List (one document, do not include images)
• A corresponding, numbered image list listing the artwork title, media,
dimensions, date created, and cost (artwork + frame (if applicable) +
hanging hardware + S&H and/or delivery)
• State purchases are tax exempt.
Please note:
• Attach all files to the email
• JPEG files are required for artwork images
• PDF or Word files are required for all documents
• 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 on the AIA Program website. For questions, email CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov.
ABOUT THE ART-IN-ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
The Illinois Art-in-Architecture Program promotes and preserves Illinois art and enriches communities by commissioning original artwork for public buildings constructed with State funds. The enabling legislation for the Program requires that the Capital Development Board “shall set aside 1/2 of 1 percent of the amount authorized and appropriated for construction or reconstruction of each public building financed in whole or in part by State funds and generally accessible to and used by the public for purchase and placement of suitable works of art in such public buildings.” A committee including art professionals and the project architect oversees each project and selects the artwork. Since its inception in 1977, the Art-in-Architecture Program has purchased orcommissioned works of art by Illinois artists for public display throughout Illinois. For more information visit the AIA Program website.
Building at Night