Call to Illinois Artists: Public Art Commission Opportunity at SIC Carmi Center

Southeastern Illinois College and the Illinois Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program are seeking qualified Illinois artists to create a permanent public art installation for the new Stanford D. Williams Career and Training Center in Carmi.

This opportunity is open to all professional artists or artist-led teams living and working in Illinois. The selected artwork will be featured in the main lobby of the new center and must reflect the industrial and educational nature of the building.

Artists are invited to submit portfolios for consideration no later than Friday, July 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov. Early submission is strongly encouraged. Late entries will not be considered.

The total budget for the commissioned work is $8,335, covering all costs including design, materials, travel, installation, and documentation. Semi-finalists will each receive a $500 stipend to develop and present a site-specific proposal for final review.

The planned installation space measures 17 feet wide by 13 feet tall, located across from the welcome desk in the lobby of the newly expanded center, which will be fully completed this summer. The project is part of a two-phase facility designed to support advanced technical programs including CDL, auto/diesel, welding, and trade skills training.

Full details, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and site renderings can be found at sic.edu/art4carmi.

This initiative is part of the Illinois Art-in-Architecture Program, which enriches public spaces by commissioning original artwork for state-funded buildings throughout Illinois.

For questions, contact the Art-in-Architecture Program at CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov.

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