City Calls for Artists to Create Public Art in Coordination with theWest Jackson Street Reconstruction Project

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 [email protected]. 

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.