A suburban Chicago city is searching for Illinois artists to create two public art installations, including a large-scale mural celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Water Street Studios, in partnership with the City of Batavia, announced an open call for artists to apply for the projects, with proposals due May 8, 2026. The centerpiece of the initiative is the America 250 Mural Project, a permanent outdoor mural planned for the west-facing exterior of Batavia City Hall, overlooking the Depot Pond and Flag Day Monument.
Funded through the Illinois Arts Council's America 250 Creative Accelerator Fund, the work will explore the theme "America at 250: A Living Community Story," connecting national ideals to the everyday experiences of Batavia residents. The selected artist will receive $9,650 in total compensation.
Public engagement opportunities will allow residents to help inform the final design before installation, planned for summer 2026. A second project, the unWIND River Street Plaza Benches Project, will commission three artists to design and paint original artwork on sculptural benches made from upcycled wind turbine blades at the city's new River Street Plaza at 102 N. River Street.
Selected artists will receive contracts not to exceed $3,200.
Both opportunities are open to Illinois-based artists or artist teams. Installation is planned for summer 2026, with public unveiling events to follow.
For more information or to apply, visit waterstreetstudios.org or contact the Public Art Initiative at publicart@waterstreetstudios.org.
