The Chicago Transit Authority has kicked off a search for artists to create a permanent public artwork for the Montrose Blue Line station, which was recently renovated as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Your New Blue O’Hare branch modernization program.
Under the Mayor’s leadership, CTA’s public art collection has nearly doubled since 2011 to more than 60 pieces across all eight rail lines. The collection includes mosaics, art glass and sculptures created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.
“In addition to upgrading rail stations and infrastructure on the Blue Line, our goal is to create an attractive environment for our customers,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “By adding dynamic, original artwork to the Montrose station, we enhance the overall experience of using transit and add a unique element that caps off the series of improvements made.”
Now through March 3, the CTA is accepting qualifications from artists who have an interest in seeing their art enhance the public space at the Montrose Blue Line station. Local, national and international artists are invited to apply and prior public art experience is not a requirement.
Applicants are asked to submit their qualifications and portfolio for consideration per the instructions in the Request for Proposal (RFP) posted to CTA’s website. Submissions must be delivered in person or by mail no later than 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 to CTA Headquarters, 567 W. Lake St., 2nd Floor Bid Office, Chicago, Illinois, 60661.
Interested artists are invited to attend a pre-bid meeting on Monday, February 6 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Mayfair Branch Library (4400 W. Lawrence Ave.), where CTA personnel will provide additional program information and answer questions.
Members of the community will have an opportunity to meet the selected artist/artist team and provide their input before work begins on the proposed artwork renderings. Additional meeting details will be announced in the coming months.
Montrose along with the Addison, Irving Park, Harlem and Cumberland stations were recently rehabilitated as part of the Your New Blue program. This $492 million modernization program will update a total of 14 Blue Line stations; make elevated and subway infrastructure upgrades, track signal improvements and traction power upgrades. Improvements at Montrose included an updated platform and platform canopies; renovated platform furniture; replaced walkway railings; new lighting and new stationhouse paint.
