For immediate release: March 30, 2022
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Over the summer of 2022, Wisconsin Rapids will begin a construction project in the area of the Wisconsin Rapids City Hall.  The affected streets will be West Grand Avenue, West Jackson Street, 4th Avenue North and 6th Avenue North.  Part of this project will be a new roundabout near the current intersection of West Jackson Street and 4th Avenue North.

​Recognizing the opportunity, The City of Wisconsin Rapids and the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce 2022 Leadership Group are seeking qualified artists to be considered for this public project.

The guidelines for this project are intentionally general as we are eager to see how imaginative our local artists are in making use of this space.  We are looking for a project that captures the energy and identity of our community touching on our historical roots, that welcomes visitors, and that contributes to the revitalization of our wonderful community.

The provided map (see attached) indicates potential areas for the installation of the art pieces.  The proposals may include all or part of these areas but should give special consideration to the areas of higher priority which is the center of the roundabout.  This area has a diameter of approximately 33 feet. 

Applications are due at or before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2022 and should be emailed to info@wisconsinrapidschamber.com. 

These applications should include…

• Images of your concept (preferably shown on the space)
• An explanation of the concept and its goal
• A budget and timeline for the completed work
• Artists resumes including 3 references and listing all completed public art projects
• 5 representative digital images of your work

A selection committee will judge the proposals on the following criteria:

• The quality, originality, and appeal of the concept
• The concept’s ability to capture the identity and feel of Wisconsin Rapids and South Wood County
• The concept’s appropriateness for this particular public area
• The artists budget and proven capacity for timely completion of the project

Note that budgets should include artist fees and costs while also speaking to the quality of materials and the prep work and execution to ensure a lasting, high-quality public art piece for years to come.  The completion of this project is dependent on funding and other in-kind support, such as Street Department assistance to permanently place the artwork.

Artists must be available to complete this project over the summer of 2022 and will agree to work with the City of Wisconsin Rapids and the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce 2022 Leadership Group on events that celebrate this process. The selected artwork and its likeness will become the property of the City of Wisconsin Rapids and its partner organizations, which reserve the right to use the image for promotional and retail purposes. 

​Thank you in advance for your submissions and we are excited to see what our local artists have to offer. 

Application for Public Art: 
5._application_for_public_art.pdf
 
More information about the project and the application can be obtained at https://www.wisconsinrapidschamber.com/.  If you have any questions about the project, please contact the City’s Community Development Department at 715-421-8228.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids completed a 2,000-foot extension of industrial rail line that ties the Matalco plant to Canadian National railroad’s main-line track, as well as creating further rail access opportunities east of Matalco to spur future development. The $793,000 project was supported by a $400,000 grant from the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program.

“The rail extension project has created opportunities to reassess the rail usage and needs of other businesses in the Rapids East Commerce Center. The existing rail usage within the business park has been strong and is further increased by this extension. Overall, the increased demand to use rail has validated the prior investments the City and State have made in providing this service and will increase car delivery opportunities to the Rapids East Commerce Center, thereby helping Matalco and other industries to grow,” said Joe Eichsteadt, City Engineer.

In a press release, Governor Tony Evers commented, “This project is a great example of how local communities and businesses can work with the state of Wisconsin to connect the dots to drive economic progress, strengthen our supply chain, and create more good jobs. I look forward to continuing to partner together to ensure Matalco and the entire Wisconsin Rapids community’s success for years to come.”

“This project sets up the Rapids East Commerce Center for future growth and gives us another tool when attracting new development," said Mayor Shane Blaser. "I want to thank our City staff and TEA program staff for making this project a reality.”

Matalco, located in the Rapids East Commerce Center, is an aluminum processing plant. Matalco began operations in Wisconsin Rapids in November 2020 and created 80 new manufacturing jobs in the city.

The TEA Program provides financial assistance to communities to support transportation infrastructure improvements that will help attract new employers or encourage existing employers to expand. A municipal or county unit of government must sponsor a TEA application, the project must have the local government's endorsement, and it must benefit the public.
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If you have questions about the project, please reach out to City Engineer, Joe Eichsteadt, at 715-421-8251 or jeichsteadt@wirapids.org.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Mayor Shane Blaser has issued a proclamation recognizing Eagle Scout Wyatt Erdmann.

​Eagle Scout is the highest rank achievable in the Scouts PSA Program within the Boy Scouts of America. The proclamation is attached below.​