The Illinois Arts Council has partnered with the Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program (CDB/AIA) to promote an opportunity for Illinois artists. The Committee is seeking exterior wall art to be installed on the large granite walls adjacent to the entrances at each rest area, four works total. Each available space is roughly 16’ wide by 10’ tall, but artists can utilize the space as they see fit. Artists are not limited to a particular medium or style. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The Coalfield North and Southbound Rest Areas are located thirty miles south of Springfield, Illinois, on I-55 in the heart of central Illinois’ historic coal mining region. The project involves the construction of new rest area facilities and site amenities, including reconfiguration of site circulation, expanded parking, landscape elements, and historic cultural interpretative materials. In addition to the redevelopment of the physical site and its features, celebrating the coal country theme is central to the project. This theme is echoed in the rest areas’ architectural design and supported by site features and informational displays.
How to Apply:
- Application (RFQ) Link: https://cdb.illinois.gov/
content/dam/soi/en/web/cdb/ professionalgrowth/art/ documents/rfq/coalfield-rest- area-rfq.pdf - Application materials must be delivered by email to: CDB.ArtinArchitecture@
illinois.gov
Selection Process
- The Fine Arts Review Committee will review the portfolios of eligible applicants. At least three artists/teams will be selected as semi-finalists and paid a fee of $1,500 each to develop and present a site-specific design proposal. After the presentations, the Committee will select a winning artist/team for the commission. Correspondence will be sent to the semi-finalists
- The project budget is $82,000
The Art-in-Architecture Procedure Manual, commission opportunities, and other information are posted at: https://cdb.illinois.gov/
