Bloomington Convention Center Public Art Commission
$520,000 available for public art installation and collection expansion at Bloomington Convention Center
The Bloomington Convention Center expansion project is offering a significant public art opportunity through a city arts ordinance requiring one percent of capital project budgets to go toward public art. With a $52 million expansion budget, $520,000 is allocated for artistic installations. The arts advisory committee has designated $420,000 for one large-scale installation that spans the building and $100,000 to expand the center's permanent art collection. This represents a major commission opportunity for artists working in large-scale public installations. The selection process involves public feedback sessions, with the committee planning to issue a call for artists in October 2025. From the applicant pool, 5-10 artists will be selected to submit detailed proposals in early 2026. The public will have another opportunity to provide feedback in March 2026, with final approval scheduled for April 2026. This timeline allows artists several months to prepare comprehensive proposals for what could be a career-defining public art installation. The project seeks art that will complement the convention center's expansion and serve as a permanent cultural landmark for visitors and the local community.