Mall of America Atrium Sensory Art Install

Create a sensory-inclusive art installation located in the Mall of America Atrium (Level 1, N) launching in March 2026, designed to engage diverse audiences across five Midwestern states surrounding Minnesota.

This initiative is a collaboration between Artistry, Fraser, Mall of America (MOA), sponsored by PNC Bank, PepsiCo & James A. Levine Trust, with a focus on neurodiversity, accessibility and community engagement.

The installation will remain active for three months (mid-March – mid-May), with future potential to become an annual activation or a traveling
exhibit.

PROJECT GOALS

The commissioned installation should:

• Respond to the physical and social context of MOA’s Atrium.
• Serve as a community meeting point and visitor destination.
• Encourage active participation through sensory and interactive components.
• Highlight sustainability, accessibility, and neurodiversity awareness.
• Provide opportunities for Fraser- and Artistry-led activations.
• Offer measurable engagement via QR code tracking and digital storytelling.
• Include sponsor visibility: (PepsiCo, James A. Levine Trust, PNC, and others TBD).

Design considerations: Interaction • Sustainability • Education • Artistry • Sensory-Friendly • Visibility

Creative direction:

• Multi-sensory experience (touch, sound, sight, scent)
• Integration of sustainable materials and principles
• Emphasis on art therapy and inclusion
• Connection to Fraser’s sensory and neurodiverse community
• Collaboration with Artistry for artist mentorship and activation

Proposal Requirements:

1. Narrative summary (≤ 2,000 words) describing concept integration with site and sensory/sustainability goals.
2. Design concept visuals (to scale, color, 24x36 printable).
3. Fabrication & installation plan with rigging/electrical needs.
4. Suggested potential subcontractor list and build schedule.
5. Itemized budget within project parameters.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES / DETAILS OF THE ATRIUM SPACE 

See details such as CAD drawings of the space, details on rigging and weight requirements, electrical details etc. Attached. 

BUDGET:

$30,000 installation/fabrication budget

$15,000 artist fee

$15,000 admin/contingency

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS

Artists will submit:

• Artist statement and CV
• Concept design, fabrication/install narrative
• Budget detail (≤ $30,000 fabrication)
• Three project examples
• Three professional references

A multi-organization Art Selection Panel (MOA, Fraser, Artistry, sponsors, and arts/community reps) will review all submissions and score qualifications.

We encourage applications from neurodivergent artists, disabled artists, and artists who identify as disabled (with disclosure at applicant’s discretion) as well as artists who have experience creating work in partnership with these communities.