City of Cedar Rapids

Public Art Commission

    
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Artist - Basketball Court Mural

The City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is requesting artist qualification submissions for a mural on the playing surface of Delaney Park basketball court. The selected artist/artist team will work with the City and neighborhood around Delaney Park to create and install a full size court mural for the Delany Park basketball court located at 5240 Wilson Ave SW, Cedar Rapids.

Artists are invited to submit their qualifications and letter of interest, as outlined in the Complete RFQ

A selection panel will choose an artist/artist team to collaborate with the neighborhood to develop a community-informed color design mural proposal that will cover the entire court surface, which is approximately 4,500 square feet.  

• The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2024, 5 PM CDT
• One finalist/team will be selected by February 20, 2024
• Finalist will work with the neighborhood (the City will facilitate the engagement) to inform and submit a site-specific design proposal by March 25, 2024
• Installation, early June 2024

Photo from Project Backboard:  Sophia Dawson, Van Dyke Houses Brooklyn, NY (2021)

Kids - we would love to see your basketball court mural!
Download this Basketball Court Coloring Book from Project Backboard and send us your pictures to include on our Public Art page! Send your work to s.schrader@cedar-rapids.org or place in our drop box (Attention: Community Development) at either of these locations:

• City Hall, 101 First Street SE  
• City Services Center, 500 15th Ave SW

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Public Art Plan

The Public Art Plan utilizes input from residents and stakeholders to define a vision for the City’s public art program. The plan sets the framework to achieve these community goals. The plan's primary goal is to continue to enhance the artistic identity and cultural life in Cedar Rapids for its residents, businesses and visitors.

 The City's first Public Art Plan was adopted by City Council on April 26, 2022:  

PUBLIC ART PLAN

Community Survey Results

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The Public Art Commission
The Public Art Commission exists to select and preserve visual art in public places for the public good. The Commission seeks to incorporate public art into various dimensions of city planning, encourages the efforts of local artists, and provides advice and assistance in the fielding of public arts competitions. By enhancing the vitality and identity of the community, the Commission strives to enhance the quality of life of those who live in or visit the city of Cedar Rapids. The Commission desires the involvement of the community in selecting, dedicating, preserving and in some cases financing the artwork.  

General Meeting & Member Information
Meetings are held at 3:30 pm on the second Thursday of each month at City Hall, 101 First Street SE, unless otherwise announced.

The Public Art Commission is a nine member, Mayor-appointed commission, serving rotating three-year terms. Terms are indicated in parenthesis and expire on June 30 of the corresponding year.

Current Members

• M. Kayt Conrad (2024) - Chair
• John Soukup (2024)
• Julie Stow (2024)
• David Van Allen (2024)
• David Maier (2025) - Vice Chair
• Elizabeth Rhoads Read (2025)
• Isacc Davis (2026)
• Heather Wagner (2026)
• Pam White (2026)

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Explore Public Art in Cedar Rapids



If you are aware of any pieces of art accessible to the public that are missing from the map above, please contact CD-Plan@cedar-rapids.org to have them added. 

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Now with audio! Explore downtown public art with a self-guided mobile Art Tour
Downloadable Downtown Art Tour  PDF

SCAVENGER HUNT PACKET

Click the button above to download your scavenger hunt packet. If you are stuck, visit the Clue & Answer Page for help!

DOWNLOAD BINGO GAME

Cedar Rapids Public Art BINGO 
Enjoy our outdoor public art collection with this drive-by bingo game, created by resident Jana Madsen. The set includes four bingo boards, and a list of addresses where you can find the artworks. 

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Artist Contact List
Are you a local artist? Would you like to receive Calls for Artists from the City for public art projects?
Please send your name, number, and email to CD-Plan@cedar-rapids.org to be placed on our Artist Contact List.

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Art Donations
The City of Cedar Rapids welcomes gifts, but reserves the right to evaluate their appropriateness before accepting them.
Art donation application

Applications may be sent to City Hall, 101 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 or emailed to the Community Development Department at cd-plan@cedar-rapids.org. 

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History Restored: The City Hall Murals