ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Announces New Public Mural at Main and Sheridan as Part of Illinois America 250
PEORIA, IL – ArtsPartners of Central Illinois has announced plans for a new large-scale public mural at the intersection of Main Street and Sheridan Road in Peoria. The project is part of the statewide Illinois America 250 initiative, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
This project is one of 22 public art initiatives funded across Illinois through the Illinois Arts Council in partnership with the Office of Governor JB Pritzker as part of the Illinois America 250 commemoration, supporting communities statewide in reflecting on their histories and shared future.
Illinois America 250 is an inclusive, statewide effort to bring together Illinoisans’ diverse perspectives about our history and our future through public programs and creative projects. The new mural will reflect the people, history, and shared experiences that shape Central Illinois, contributing to a broader celebration taking place across the state. The project will explore themes of civic participation, shared history, and the role of creativity in shaping communities, while highlighting the diversity, resilience, and cultural identity of the region. Artists will be encouraged to consider the layered histories of Central Illinois, including the deep connections to the Illinois River and the Indigenous nations who have called this region home.
ArtsPartners released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Illinois-based artists due May 10, 2026. The RFQ will invite artists to submit materials demonstrating their experience with public art and their interest in developing a concept for the site. A selection panel composed of ArtsPartners representatives and community stakeholders will review submissions.
Up to three finalists will be selected to participate in a paid design phase, during which they will develop preliminary concepts for the mural. Finalists will be encouraged to engage with community perspectives as part of their concept development. One artist will be selected to complete the final design and execute the mural.
“The current mural had a good run but it’s time for a change, and I’m happy to work with ArtsPartners to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America,” said artist Jeremiah Schmillen, who created the existing mural at the site.
“This is an amazing opportunity to bring new energy to a highly visible space in our community,” said Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Executive Director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois. “We’re looking forward to a refreshed mural that celebrates the people of our region and reflects all that we have built, experienced, and contributed as a community here in central Illinois. This project is both a statement about what we value and a way to honor where we’ve been and how we see ourselves moving forward. I am also thrilled that it will be located in the West Main corridor, a thriving creative hub in our region.”
The selected artist will complete the mural during summer 2026. This program is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and through funds from the City of Peoria.
More information, including the RFQ and application timeline can be found here: artspartners.net/250mural
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ArtsPartners of Central Illinois promotes the arts as a vital component of central Illinois’ cultural and economic development. Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of central Illinois.
