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Freeport Art Museum
 

CALLS FOR ARTISTS

Public Art Commission
Memorial Artwork for Jack H. Myers

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Overview

The Freeport Art Museum and the family of Jack Myers invite professional artists and artist teams to submit their qualifications to design, create, and install an original work of public art for Arts Plaza that commemorates the life, legacy, and civic contributions of Jack H. Myers — philanthropist, veteran, community leader, and generous donor of the land on which the Arts Plaza now stands.

About the Project

The Arts Plaza is a vibrant public gathering space in historic downtown Freeport that serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, public art, and community celebrations. It is the centerpiece of the Freeport Art Museum's growing Arts & Culture Campus. The Plaza exists because of the vision and generosity of Jack Myers. His gift of the property, together with his financial support, transformed an underutilized downtown parcel into one of Freeport's most active civic spaces. The selected artwork should celebrate not only Mr. Myers' generosity, but also the enduring impact of philanthropy, civic leadership, and investment in community. Rather than functioning solely as a portrait or monument, the committee is interested in artwork that inspires visitors and reflects the values Jack Myers embodied: generosity, vision, community service, optimism, and belief in Freeport's future.

Click Here for the Full RFQ

  • In 2004, Jack H. Myers donated the property that became central to the creation of Arts Plaza and envisioned a cultural space that would serve Freeport for generations. As a lifelong community supporter, he contributed to educational, cultural, and civic initiatives throughout the region. His donation laid the foundation for what has grown into a vibrant arts-centric civic space fostering creativity, engagement, and celebration of local heritage.

    The FAM Arts Plaza is a dynamic public gathering place hosting performances, community events, recreational features, and existing public artworks that enrich downtown Freeport.

  • The goal of this commission is to create a memorial artwork that:

    • Honors the life and community impact of Jack H. Myers,

    • Resonates with residents and visitors,

    • Enhances the Arts Plaza environment,

    • Is durable and appropriate for outdoor installation,

    • Encourages reflection, connection, and community pride.

  • The artwork will be installed within Arts Plaza in a collaboratively determined location that complements existing features and traffic flow of the space. Site options will be proposed by the selection committee after finalist interviews.

  • Proposals are open to:

    • Individual artists,

    • Collaborative teams,

    • Artists residing in the United States.

    Artists with experience in outdoor public art and community engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.

  • Proposals must include:

    1. Artist Statement — A brief bio and explanation of your interest in the project.

    2. Concept Narrative — Description of the proposed artwork and how it reflects the legacy of Jack H. Myers.

    3. Visual Support — Sketches, renderings, or digital mockups.

    4. Materials & Methods — Proposed materials, fabrication methods, and anticipated durability.

    5. Project Timeline — Estimated schedule from contract through installation.

    6. Budget Detail — Itemized costs within the specified range.

    7. Past Work Examples — Images and descriptions of relevant prior public art commissions (with at least 3 references).

  • Item descriptionProposals will be evaluated based on:

    • Artistic excellence and originality,

    • Relevance to Jack H. Myers’s life and contributions,

    • Feasibility within the budget and timeline,

    • Appropriateness for an outdoor public space,

    • Experience with similar projects.

    A selection panel composed of representatives from the Freeport Art Museum, the family of Jack Myers, local arts professionals, and community members will review submissions, interview finalists (if applicable), and recommend a commissioned artist. Final approval rests with the Freeport Art Museum Board working with the family of Jack Myers.

    • RFP Issued: August 7, 2026

    • Submission Deadline: October 16,  2026

    • Finalist Interviews:

    • Commission Announcement:

    • Fabrication & Installation:

    • Dedication Event:

 

REGIONAL ARTS PARTNERS GRANT

Funded by the illinois arts council - administered by fam

Regional Arts Partner Grants (Formerly Access Grants) are an annual grant up to $1,500 and are awarded to both artist and organizations for projects taking place between January and August. This grant can cover artist cost, supplies, and publicity.

Overview and Application