America 250 Request for Proposal
The Chicago History Museum invites visual artists to submit a proposal to create an original work for display in the Museum as it marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The work should form a response to or be in dialogue with one of four documents—the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, or Northwest Ordinance—that the Museum is going to foreground in learning, engagement, and an exhibition throughout that year, along with a reimagining of our exhibition Facing Freedom in America.
Four commissions, one related to each of the four documents, are going to be awarded. Each commission will be awarded to a different artist (or artist collective). Artists are allowed to submit multiple proposals as long as each work of art proposed is paired with a different one of the four documents. Each work is expected to be on display in the Museum’s lobby for a period of three months. The work can assume a range of forms and mediums. It can encourage interaction and social practice.
Proposal for Artwork:
The Chicago History Museum is open to proposals from Chicago-based artists (or artist collectives) for the creation of original works of art in any medium that can be safely displayed within its lobby for a period of approximately three months. The original works of art should be related to the four documents referenced above in some way. The Chicago History Museum intends to honor and respect the vision of the four artists who are selected for this opportunity.
Budget:
Four awards of $10,000 each will be given to four Chicago-based artists (or artist collectives). The award is intended to cover the artist fee, production, and any costs associated with the installation and deinstallation of the work.
Selection Process:
Within a month of receiving proposals, a body made up of Chicago History Museum staff, allied institutions, and affiliated artists will convene to evaluate them. Each proposal will be evaluated by its:
- Vision—does the proposed work reflect a clear, coherent creative vision or perspective that can engage a diverse community of visitors?
- Feasibility—are the costs of the proposed work covered by the award and can it be safely displayed in the Museum’s lobby for a period of approximately three months?
- Relevance—does the proposed work respond to one of the four documents and does it encourage visitors to reflect upon or understand differently that document?
- Accessibility—does the proposed work have the capacity to be meaningful and relevant to a multi-generational, diverse community of visitors?
What to Submit
- Description of the Work: This typed 1,000-word document should clearly describe the work being proposed; how it is going to engage with one of the four documents and diverse audiences; and how it fits within the timeframe and budget associated with the award.
- Artist Statement: This typed 250-word document should share the artist’s vision and values as expressed in their work.
- Portfolio: Samples of relevant past work that can be shared through a PDF, PowerPoint, or URL.
Contact:
Please submit all proposals to Paul Durica, Director of Exhibitions, by March 31, 2025. Proposals should be submitted by email (durica@chicagohistory.org) with the subject line, “America 250 Proposal.” Please direct any questions to Paul by email or phone (312-799-2170)
Read the full request for proposal