2026.04.08 An Opportunity for Illinois Artists

The Illinois Arts Council wouldlike to share an important art commission opportunity in partnership with the Capital Development Board's Art-in-Architecture Program(CDB/AIA).

CDB/AIA is now accepting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Illinois Department of Transportation Farmland Rest Areas (2) in Farmers City, Illinois ( Project # 630-497-002) . The Committee is seeking a sculptural installation mounted atop a custom-made triangular bench within the center of each rest area lobby. The available space is 62" wide by 18" tall. Artists are not limited to a particular medium or style. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2026.

The Farmland Rest Areas serve eastbound and westbound Interstate 74 at mile marker 156. Built in 1995, the rest areas are each 4,820 square feet, one-story buildings consisting of three cylinders (pods) 38' in diameter and approximately 13' in height to mimic the look of grain silos. The pods are spaced 74'-1" apart in a triangular configuration. Visitors are welcomed through three entry vestibules connected to the triangular lobby at their center. Amenities at the rest areas include the women's restrooms housed in one pod, the men's restrooms housed in a second pod, and a vending area and mechanical space housed in the third pod.

The construction project's focus is renovating the interior of both rest areas. Each building is designed to welcome travelers and provide opportunities to gather local information, use the restrooms, purchase food/drinks from the vending machines, and rest in the lobby.

About the Illinois 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 the 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 or commissioned works of art by Illinois artists for public display throughout Illinois.

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 $1,000

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.

The project budget is $40,000

Link to the RFQ Document:

https://cdb.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/cdb/professionalgrowth/art/documents/rfq/farmland-rest-areas-rfq.pdf

Application materials must be delivered by email to: [email protected]

The Art-in-Architecture Procedure Manual, commission opportunities, and other information are posted at:

https://cdb.illinois.gov/professionalgrowth/art/commissionopportunities.html