Madison State Street Parking Garage Public Art Project
$320K public art opportunity for State Street Campus Garage - light-focused artwork preferred, applications due Sept 25
The city of Madison is seeking an artist to create a public art installation for the new State Street Campus Garage at 415 N. Lake St. This major transportation hub includes a bus terminal, public parking, and student housing. The commission seeks site-specific public artwork that creates a vibrant and welcoming environment, affirms the cultural significance of the area, and celebrates what makes Madison unique. The city particularly wants vibrant artwork that uses, incorporates, or plays with light - either self-illuminated or using natural/existing lighting conditions. The work should engage viewers both close-up and from a distance, add beauty and visual interest to the site, and make it more welcoming for pedestrians. The project encompasses public spaces within the facility, including the bus terminal, parking garage, and adjacent Hawthorne Court. The selected artist will receive $320,000 to design, fabricate and install the artwork, with completion planned by the end of 2026. The selection process involves an initial application review, selection of three finalists in October, site-specific proposals from finalists, and final recommendation to the Madison Art Commission in February, with City Council approval of the final design.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants must provide information on their public art experience and past projects through the city's website application portal. Applications are due by 2 p.m. on September 25, 2025.
How to Apply
1. Step 1: Review the call for artists requirements and prepare portfolio of public art experience and past projects
2. Step 2: Submit application through the city's website by 2 p.m. on September 25, 2025
3. Step 3: If selected as finalist in October, prepare site-specific proposal for February review by Madison Art Commission
Application & Contact
Contact: Madison Arts Commission and the Ad Hoc State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Committee
Source: https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/article_cc449dae-2385-4b01-9ced-b9f424485851.html