Originally created in 2008, the 53rd & 55th St viaduct panels in Hyde Park showcase artwork by Margaret Burroughs, Terry Evans, John Himmelfarb, and Calvin Jones. There are a total of 19 stainless steel panels: 13 on the Southside of 53rd St and 6 panels on the Southside of 55th St. Each panel varies in size, from 8′ x 12′ to 8’ x 16’ (landscape orientation).
Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) and Special Service Area 61 Hyde Park (SSA 61) welcome artists to submit their artworks for consideration to revitalize the 53rd & 55th St. viaducts in Hyde Park. Selected artworks will be reproduced on vinyl on the existing panels.
A curatorial team of three representatives from the South Side will be responsible for the artwork selection and sequence. The jurors include Monique Brinkman-Hill, Executive Director of South Side Community Art Center, Mariela Acuña, Exhibitions and Residency Manager at Hyde Park Art Center, and Ciera McKissick, Public Programs Manager at Hyde Park Art Center. CPAG will not be selecting the artists but is managing the 53rd & 55th St Viaduct Revitalization Project.
Successful submissions will approach the site with a bold and creative vision that reflects the community’s best qualities - its connectedness, diversity, culture, entertainment, and residents. The viaducts connect the east and west side of the business districts allowing the art to seamlessly encourage movement throughout. Submissions should create an attraction that acts as an entry point for visitors to experience the viaducts as a “must see” amenity. This revitalization serves to improve the safety and well-being of pedestrians, bikers, and vehicular traffic by creating a sense of place for surprising, delightful interactions, welcoming visitors and residents alike to venture through Hyde Park.
CLICK HERE to read more and submit your work for the 53rd & 55th St. Viaduct Revitalization Call for Art.
About SSA 61 and the South East Chicago Commission
The South East Chicago Commission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn and to foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, investment and economic vitality. The SECC serves as the official Service Provider for Special Service Area #61 aka Downtown Hyde Park, which comprises the 53rd and 55th Street corridors connected by Lake Park Avenue. Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas.
