Chicago’s professional artists will have more opportunities to bolster their careers while enhancing the Pullman and Roseland communities, thanks to the “Artist’s Mural Program,” a new initiative unveiled this week by 9th Ward Alderman Anthony A. Beale in tandem with the City of Chicago’s 2017 Individual Artist’s Program (IAP).
The IAP and Alderman Beale are seeking murals designed by Chicago artists to interpret the community’s social and cultural history on four viaducts along South Cottage Grove at 95th, 100th, 111th and 115th streets. A $20,000 cash award from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the 9th Ward’s aldermanic menu will be allotted to artists selected for each site for exposure and execution of the chosen designs. DCASE and the Alderman are each allocating a total of $40,000 for the Mural Program.
“The aim of the 9th Ward’s Artist’s Mural Program is to discover and nurture practicing artists and creative professionals from across the city while beautifying the landscape and enhancing the image of the ward,” said 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale. “It’s another way we’re working to make our ward a better place to live, work and visit,” added Alderman Beale.
To be eligible for the 9th Ward’s “Artist’s Mural Program,” applicants must be a resident of the City of Chicago with a valid street address and be a professional artist or creative entrepreneur who has specialized training in the field. Artists must be committed to their art form as their primary vocation and will be considered regardless how much they earn from their art. All applicants are required to have attended an Application Assistance Workshop in order to apply for a grant and be eligible to qualify in the Mural Program.
Interested artists seeking additional information about the Individual Artists Program in order to qualify for the Mural Program or any City of Chicago artists’ program ought to call DCASE 312-744-3316 to obtain additional program information including a list of all upcoming workshops and application deadlines.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events provides more than $1.7 million annually in direct funding for the Chicago arts community through its Cultural Grants Program. The program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For additional information about the 9th Ward “Artist’s Mural Program,” call 773-785-1100.
