CHICAGO — Calling all artists: The City of Chicago needs your help.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority officials Tuesday announced the city is looking for artists to create unique works of public art at 10 train stations on the Blue, Green, Brown and Pink Lines.
The public art project aims to build stronger communities, Emanuel said at a pop-up press event at the 47th Street Red Line Station: "The best way to create that sense of community ... is with culture and art."
The city already features an extensive collection of public art — more than 60 works of art across all eight rail lines, including mosaics, art glass and sculptures created by acclaimed artists from all over the world.
The expanded art campaign is part of Emanuel’s $492 million “Your New Blue” modernization program.
“Public art on CTA truly enhances the quality of the customer’s transit experience,” said CTA President Dorval Carter.
The CTA will also seek an artist for the CTA’s bus terminal at Chicago Avenue and Austin Boulevard. The work would mark the first time the CTA has commissioned art for a bus terminal.
Through April 1, the CTA is accepting applications from artists interested in creating a piece. Artists can find instructions on how to apply here.
Here’s a look at the lines available for artists:
Blue Line
• Cumberland
• Jefferson Park
• Montrose
• Irving Park
• Addison
• Illinois Medical District
Brown Line
• Diversey
Green Line
• Kedzie · Clinton
Pink Line
• Polk
The CTA plans to hold community meetings where artists can ask questions about the projects. Meeting dates will be announced in the coming months. Submissions must be delivered in person or by mail no later than 3:30 p.m. on April 1.
After the CTA reviews all submissions, transit bosses will call in as many as 30 artists for an interview to whittle the list to 11 artists or artist teams.
The city will use $2.5 million in funds from the Federal Transit Administration to pay for artist fees, fabrication, shipping, delivery, installation and project management.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
