2nd Round Community Art Commission at Brookfield Shops

Brookfield is launching the second round of its community art initiative at Brookfield Shops, a retail incubator in the Eight Corners area. The program is seeking six visual artists to create original artwork on wooden panels, with two distinct themes to choose from.

Theme 1: "Art of Home" - Artists are invited to explore the meaning of home and the feelings associated with it, particularly as it relates to Brookfield residents. This interpretation can be physical, emotional, or memory-based. Selected artists will receive a $300 stipend and will work on provided three-foot-by-four-foot wooden panels.

Theme 2: "Stories from Brookfield" - Artists should capture moments, people, events, places, or traditions that have shaped the Brookfield community throughout history and today. This theme encourages artists to share their personal experiences and vision of the community. Selected artists will receive a $175 stipend and will work on provided four-foot-by-two-foot wooden panels.

The program was made possible through nearly $200,000 in grant funding from Cook County and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) for creative placemaking. The first wave of nine panels was unveiled on October 31, 2025, and received overwhelming community support, prompting the second commission.

Artwork guidelines include: no improper language, no political content, and adherence to provided benchmarks. Selected pieces will be installed before the 2026 vendor grand opening on May 4 and featured in an artist showcase in June. Future waves may rotate pieces to other locations or offer them for auction.