The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) is celebrating 60 years of economic impact by launching our first ever mural competition! Artists from around Cook County are invited to submit their ideas for large-scale murals that tell the story of community empowerment. Selected artists will create their work live and their finished artwork will be on display across Cook County.

Contest Details:

 

Why are we celebrating?

Sparked by a national desire to eliminate poverty the United States signed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964. This landmark new law led to organizations like CEDA which offer programs like food security programs, housing assistance, and help with utility bills. Sixty years later and the Economic Opportunity Act is just as impactful today as it was in 1964!

 

This mural contest will tell the story of communities across Cook County that have positively transformed through access to CEDA’s services. Our work is about changing lives, embodying hope, improving communities, and enhancing the fabric of America. We want to share this story of community empowerment by creating murals showing the power of Community Action.

What You’ll Win:

Winners will receive a $500 cash prize. Their work will tour Cook County and be displayed in public offices including Various CEDA Women, Infant, Children (WIC) offices.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for artists from around Cook County [CHECK YOUR ADDRESS] to create an image telling a story of what empowerment looks like in your community. Eight winners will be invited to create an original artwork at a live event. Each artist will be given a canvas that is 4ft by 8ft to create their work of art. All art making supplies will be provided. You don’t have to be a professional – all skill levels are welcome!

HOW TO ENTER:

• Submit an idea for your mural. Provide a sketch or drawing letting us know what the final piece will look like along with a few sentences (written or video) telling us how it tells the story of Community Action. Please note: Don’t worry about trying to be a perfect writer! We just want the big picture idea.
• Provide a list of supplies needed to complete your piece. Supplies may include paint (acrylic or spray paint); brushes, sponges, or other application tools, glue/fixatives, paper, found materials. Please, no oil paints, gouache, oil-based pastels, watercolor, chalk, charcoal, or other media that would take more than a few hours to dry or could be easily smudged. Also please refrain from incorporating materials that require an open flame.
• The chosen artists will create their piece live at an event on TBD at TBD from TBD. Artists must confirm availability in order to participate.
• Submissions must be received by TBD. Awards will be announced on TBD

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible to participate you must be a Cook County resident and at least 16 years old. Special preference will be given to youth aged 16-24, people living with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ artists.

Interested, but need some inspiration? Check out our Inspired by Community Action section below.

Inspired by Community Action:

The Chicago Mural Renaissance seeks not only to celebrate historical milestones but also to offer a platform for artistic expressions that encapsulate what community action support has signified for individuals and neighborhoods alike. Through this visual dialogue, we aspire to honor the legacy of the Community Action Movement, reflecting on its pivotal role in fostering self-help, communal solidarity, and the ongoing quest for social justice and equity.

At CEDA we believe Community Action is ….

1. Personal Experience: Birthday parties at the Community Center. Community meetings in the local church basement. School picnics. Artists are encouraged to draw upon personal experiences, local heroes, or significant events within their communities that resonate with the ideals of the Community Action Promise.
2. Everyday Heroes: We’re interested in works that reflect on how community action programs have fostered change, hope, and solidarity within their neighborhoods. Whether it’s the story of a daycare worker, parents’ group, tenants association, or community activist – tell a story of a local hero who helped inspire change.
3. Communities Coming Together: Maybe it was petitioning for a new playground, organizing a cleanup project in the local park, serving food to community members in need, or helping the elderly with home improvement projects. Think about a time you saw community members coming together to demonstrate resilience, unity, and empowerment.
4. Inspiring Generations: Young artists who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. We want to showcase the vibrancy and potential of the next generation. Maybe it was a college choice celebration, a young person who stands out as a leader in their community, or even a prom send-off. What’s a story that demonstrates young people taking action to improve their community?
5. Historical Moments: Tell the story of a moment in your neighborhood’s history showcasing people coming together to make a positive change.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these websites for examples of Chicago public art:

• Chicago Public Art Group: https://chicagopublicartgroup.org/
• https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/great-neighborhoods-for-chicago-street-art/
• Chicago Loop Alliance Mural Walk: https://loopchicago.com/explore/things-to-do/muralwalk/

For More Information Contact Jing Zhu or Sonia Diaz via email at [email protected] or [email protected]