Riverdale Creative Cultural Connections

134th St/ Vernon Ave Viaduct Mural

Artist Request for Qualifications

Architreasures is seeking qualified artists to produce a painted viaduct mural located at 134th St/ Vernon Ave in Chicago as part of the Riverdale Creative Cultural Connections Project.

Riverdale Creative Cultural Connections (RC3) carries out creative placekeeping/ placemaking activities that cultivate collective healing and community well-being. Through space improvement projects and public artworks, the Project brings together local residents and leaders, in collaboration with artists and partner organizations, to transform the Riverdale community area through participatory art and design.

Project Site and  Goals

The goals of the viaduct mural project are to:

1) highlight and celebrate the culture, stories, and/or history of Chicago’s Far South Side through its design;

2) engage Riverdale residents and RC3 stakeholders in the conceptualization and/or production of the mural; and

3) contribute to beautification and improvement of the neighborhood environment.

Located at the southernmost edge of Chicago, the Riverdale community area has historic connections to the Underground Railroad and the founding of the environmental justice movement. The mural project supports efforts by RC3 partners to transform key neighborhood locations and activate areas by the African American Heritage Water Trail and Chicago's Finest Marina, a National Park Service Network to Freedom site. The viaduct at 134th St/ Vernon Ave has north and south facing walls that each span approximately 419 sq ft, or a total of 838 sq ft for 2 walls.

Project Timeline

4/29/23                          Artist Zoom Info Session

5/19/23                          Artist RFQ due

5/26/23                          Short list of artists selected

6/30/23                          Artist mural concept designs due

7/6/23                            Artist proposal presentations

7/10/23                          Winning artist and design concept selected

7/17-7/28/23                Artist refines design via community workshops

7/29-8/11/23                Artist revises design based on workshop input

8/18/23                          Mural design finalized

8/19-9/30/23                Mural production and installation

10/2/23                          Mural complete

Project Budget

Artist finalists will receive $500 to develop their concept design proposals.

The project budget including artist design services, community engagement, materials, supplies, equipment rental, fabrication, and installation is $25-30k, to be determined based on the final mural design.

How to Apply

Complete an online RFQ application including submission of CV/resume outlining qualifications and related experience, sample portfolio images, and interest statement by 5/19/23.

Questions? Please contact Manwah at manwah@architreasures.org.