Request for Qualifications - Artists Services for City of Highland Park Place of Remembrance

The City of Highland Park seeks to commission one artist or artist-led team to design, fabricate and install a sculpture to serve as a Place of Remembrance at Port Clinton within the Central Business District in the City of Highland Park, Illinois.

Objective

The City of Highland Park (“City”) seeks a qualified experienced artists or an artist lead team (“Artist”) for an outdoor surface artwork installation for the permanent Place of Remembrance at Port Clinton that honors those whose lives were taken and those whose lives were forever changed on July 4, 2022. The artwork is intended to create a meaningful and lasting place of remembrance to honor the victims of the 2022 Highland Park shooting and pay tribute to the community’s resilient spirit. This place of remembrance will serve as a place of reflection, remembrance and solace for the community and future generations.

Artists are invited to submit an application in electronic format as set forth in Paragraph VIII A and B, by 4:00 P.M. on September 11, 2026. The selected artist will be invited to enter into an agreement (“Agreement”) with the City, in a form to be provided by the City.

The total commission for this project is $200,000. This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and not a design competition. Artists should not submit fully developed design proposals at this stage. The City seeks to evaluate professional qualifications, experience, and approach prior to advancing to concept development. Information beyond that requested in this RFQ (such as drawings or developed designs concepts) will not be reviewed and may disqualify the Artist from consideration.

Background

On July 4, 2022 a gunman opened fire at the Highland Park parade. Seven people were killed, forty-eight people were injured and countless others were traumatized.

The City of Highland Park is undertaking a trauma-informed planning process to create a permanent place of remembrance that will pay tribute to the memory of the seven victims of the Highland Park shooting, create a space(s) for reflection, remembrance, and solace, and honor the community’s resiliency, especially those who were injured.

A Working Group was established to guide the planning process. The purpose of the Working Group is to facilitate all aspects of the planning for the permanent place of remembrance to and provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council, the ultimate decision-making authority. The Working Group consists of Mayor Rotering, Councilmember Anthony Blumberg, City Manager Ghida Neukirch, Resiliency Social Services Specialist Jazmin Alejandro, Park District of Highland Park Executive Director Brian Romes, and Josselyn Donor Relation Manager Gaby Valverde Strobehn. The Working Group is supported by Assistant City Manager Emily Taub and Communications Manager Amanda Bennett. Community members are invited and encouraged to attend and contribute to all public meetings.

The City engaged Do Tank, a Chicago-based firm that used a human-centered approach to create a survey, host focus groups, and conduct 1:1 interviews with victims’ family members and people who were injured in the shooting regarding the location of the permanent place of remembrance. The recommendation from Do Tank, which was supported by the Working Group and the City Council led to the determination that a prominent, primary place of remembrance will be located at the Rose Garden (1755 St Johns Ave) with a subtle secondary place of remembrance at Port Clinton Plaza (bordered by 600-610 Central and 620 Central) in downtown Highland Park.  The Rose Garden was approved as a Highland Park landmark by local designation in 1992.

The City Council supported the Working Group’s recommendation to engage SWA Group for design services for the Permanent Place of Remembrance. The recommendation followed a comprehensive, thoughtful process undertaken by the Working Group involving careful review of the responses to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services, concept designs and interviews with the four shortlisted firms. Feedback from individuals who attended Working Group meetings and additional feedback from victims and from the public was considered. Information on SWA Group’s responses can be found here: RFQ Response / Concept Designs / Interview. The City engaged SWA Group in an Agreement for design services, including extensive engagement with victims' family members, individuals who were injured, and the community as a whole.

The public engagement process for the Design Concepting phase ended in June 2026. While there was consensus for a design at the Rose Garden, public engagement did not indicate consensus supporting any of the concepts at Port Clinton. City Council supported the recommendation from SWA Group to move forward with a sculpture at Port Clinton to serve as the Place of Remembrance.

Additional information regarding the place of remembrance can be found here: https://hpremembrance.org/

Artwork Description

The project involves the creation and installation of a sculptural artwork at Port Clinton to serve as the Place of Remembrance. The artwork will represent a meaningful and lasting place of remembrance to honor the victims of the 2022 Highland Park shooting and pay tribute to the community’s resilient spirit through a cohesive, compelling design. The Artist or Artist team selected as a Finalist will be expected to take inspiration from the Primary Place of Remembrance site to inform and inspire the design for Port Clinton. The final artwork should reflect both themes identified through prior public engagement, the usage of the space, and additional input received during the process while allowing for artistic interpretation.

The selected Artist is expected to engage with stakeholders during concept development or refinement, including participation in meetings or workshops to gather input and inspiration. The Artist must be comfortable engaging in public activities in collaboration with the City of Highland Park and its partners. Examples of public engagement could include stakeholder conversations which includes meetings with victims, businesses, students and other residents, talking with media about the artwork, or attending a dedication ceremony. 

The Artist should be mindful of the usage of the space for public events, and the artwork will need to harmonize with the day to day usage of the plaza as well as special event use. The Artist should consider that this artwork will be located in a family-friendly area where pedestrians and children will be present; the site is also the heart of the City’s Central Business District surrounded by businesses and residents. The safety of the artwork should be taken into consideration. The final artwork must meet the ADA and Illinois Accessibility Code requirements for any protruding objects in the pathways. The art installation should not create habitat or opportunities for pigeons to roost.

All proposed materials and finishes must be appropriate for long-term outdoor installation and designed to withstand weather exposure, ultraviolet light, and potential vandalism. The City will work with artist to ensure protection and lasting quality of artwork. Artists should demonstrate consideration of long-term maintenance requirements and durability in their approach. The final artwork must be durable, safe and cost-effective to maintain with limited annual maintenance. The Artist should consider the possibility of graffiti or vandalism to the artwork and provide ideas or solutions to accommodate such acts. 

The sculpture must not compromise the structural integrity of the parking garage on which the Plaza is located. The structure itself is engineered and defined. Artist will not be responsible for structural design, but must work with the City, SWA Group and partners to ensure proper setting and installation.

The Artist should also be mindful of the potential for future redevelopment of the Port Clinton Plaza which may require either the temporary removal of the artwork and/or relocation of the artwork within Port Clinton Plaza.

Artwork Location/Site Information

Port Clinton Square is a vibrant, multi-use complex located in the heart of downtown Highland Park, Illinois. A public-private partnership, the plaza is owned by the City paired with privately owned buildings.

The buildings house a mix of dining options, professional offices, local small businesses, medical suites, and boutique retail shops. The Plaza includes a large outdoor public space where the community gathers including serving as the site for seasonal events, art festivals, and live music. Convenient access to Port Clinton is provided through a large underground public parking garage and the nearby Highland Park Metra train station.

City Council continues to consider a redevelopment or refresh of the Plaza. Any potential redevelopment or refresh of the space is not currently funded in the City’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan.

The area shown in the site plan has been identified as the preferred location within the plaza although Artists are welcome to propose alternative sites within the Plaza.

The final location of the artwork is subject to approval of the Highland Park City Council.

Selection Process

A.     Selection Procedure.

1.       Registration. Artists who are interested in submitting an RFQ response should register their name and contact information by emailing Assistant City Manager Emily Taub at etaub@cityhpil.com to receive any RFQ Addenda, responses to any written questions or other Project announcements. Only those artists who have registered will receive official communications.

Registration does not obligate an Artist to submit a RFQ response.

2.      Questions. Questions about the Project or this RFQ must be submitted by email to: Emily Taub at etaub@cityhpil.com no later than 4:00 PM on August 21, 2026.

3.      Response to Questions. If any Response to Questions to this RFQ are issued, each addendum will be published on the City’s website and sent to registered artists no later than 4:00 PM on August 28, 2026.

4.      Evaluation Committee. The City will evaluate all proposals deemed responsive to this request by a committee selected by the City of Highland Park.  The Evaluation Committee will consist of the Working Group and the City’s Cultural Arts Advisory Group, with a final report and recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for final approval.  The Evaluation Committee recommendation will be informed based on victim and other public input. 

5.      Finalist Selection. The City may conduct an interview with any Artist who submits an acceptable or potentially acceptable submission. The City reserves the right to request the Artist provide additional information during this process. The Selection Committee will review all properly submitted qualifications, from which a short list of up to three finalists will be selected. Finalists will be asked to provide a full proposal to the Committee to include concept, maquette, budget, and timeline. All finalists will be awarded an honorarium to help defray the costs of the development of the proposal. Any unsolicited proposals or designs submitted will not be eligible for the honorarium.

6.      Finalist Presentation and Interview. Finalists will have the opportunity, but are not required, to appear before the Evaluation Committee to make an oral presentation.

The City may conduct in-person or virtual presentations. The City will determine the format in advance (either in- person or virtual), and each Artist will follow the same format.

7.       Final Evaluation. Following the submittal of the proposals, and at the conclusion of the presentations, the City’s Evaluation Committee will consider the proposals and make a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council. The City will then announce the selected Artist and will then enter into negotiations for a sculptural contract.

8.      Agreement Negotiation. Following selection, the City will attempt to negotiate a contract. The City has the right to reject the agreement, or enter negotiations with another Artist. The City retains the ownership of and all rights to use all documents produced during the interview process for use in selecting the final artist and completing the project.

9.      Contract Award. A recommendation by the Evaluation Committee does not in any way entitle the Artist to selection by the City Council. The final contract award is at the discretion of the City Council. The City Council is in no way bound to adhere to the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee and is not bound to enter into a contract award.

B.     Selection Criteria.

1.       Finalists Selection

Criteria by which submissions will be evaluated and finalists will be selected may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Approach. Overall approach to the project and its fit within the community. Strength and originality of artistic approach conveyed in the Letter of Interest.
• Qualifications. Artist’s qualifications and reputation.
• Experience. Prior experience on similar or related types of projects and/or public art. Experience working with durable, exterior-grade materials.
• Competence. Evaluated based upon technical training, education, and experience of the Artist.
• Financial Responsibility. Evaluated based upon the artist’s ability to procure appropriate insurance or a surety bond.
• Other Qualifications. Qualifications that are consistent with the scope and needs of the project, such as knowledge of the local area.

2.      Final Artist Selection

Criteria by which finalist proposals will be evaluated and the final selection will be made may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Finalist Selection Criteria. All criteria used in the evaluation of finalist selections.
• Relevance and relationship. Relevance to the Place of Remembrance.
• Artistic Excellence Demonstrated skill and quality of craftsmanship in past work.
• Community Impact. Ability to create culturally responsive public art. Experience engaging communities in storytelling or collaborative processes.
• Quality and Originality. Artistic quality and originality.
• Size and Fit. Size and fit for Port Clinton Plaza.
• Durability, Safety, and Maintenance. Materials, fabrication quality, conservation needs.

At either stage, preference may be applied for ties to Highland Park. The City may also consider other factors as it deems relevant to the community’s best interest.

Selection Schedule 

Budget

Compensation for proposal development: $2,500

Award: $200,000

Total funds to the awarded Artist is a comprehensive budget for completion of the work and is paid over the course of the commission at agreed upon milestones as documented in the contract. It includes everything needed to complete the proposed art including, but not limited to: materials, travel, lodging, artist fee, sub-contractor fees, insurance, engineering, fabrication, community engagement, design, transportation, shipping, permits, installation, and any other expenses incurred in the creation of the work.

Communication & Questions

If you have questions about the Project or this RFQ, you must submit them by email to: Emily Taub at etaub@cityhpil.com no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026. If any addenda to this RFQ are issued, each addendum will be published on the City’s website.

Addenda, Questions and Answers, and other relevant updates will be posted on the City’s website, which will be considered official publication. While the City will make reasonable, good faith efforts to notify each registered Artists via the contact email provided, the City makes no guarantee and is not responsible if such email communications are not sent, are not delivered, or are not received due to technical or other problems. All Artists are responsible for checking the City’s website for relevant updates.

Artists are not permitted to contact any City personnel, the Project Architect, the Project Construction Manager, or Project legal counsel except as set forth above. Any other communication or attempted communication may disqualify the Artist.

RFQ Format and Content

The City reserves the right to reject all applications or those it considers to be non-responsive.

A.     RFQ Format.

RFQ responses must be submitted electronically through CaFÉ and must be received by the due date. Late responses may be rejected at the City’s sole discretion.

Do not submit generic marketing materials unless relevant to a specific aspect of your submission.

B.     RFQ Content.

All submittals become property of the City of Highland Park and will not be returned. Submissions are available after selection for public viewing via the Freedom of Information Act. The City of Highland Park will not be responsible for delayed applications or damaged electronic files.

Please address in your response the following topics.

1.       Name and the name of team members, if applying as a team. Contact information including address, telephone number and e-mail address.

2.      Resume for the lead artist (3 pages maximum).

3.      Letter of Intent explaining interest in the project and how your work might relate to the project. Describe your artistic practice, professional experience, and how you are the right fit for this particular Project.

4.      Portfolio of up to 10 images or video file which includes the following for each artwork: title, date of completion, location, materials/medium, and budget. For team applications, please indicate the lead artist for each project; or provide an annotated image list. Submissions must be documentation of previously completed works.

5.      References of at least three professionals who have detailed knowledge of your work and methods. Include contact name, project type and scale, telephone number and email address for each reference.

6.      Any other relevant experience, skills, or attributes that you believe bears materially on the City’s evaluation of your qualifications for this Project not provided in any prior category.

Artists should not submit drawings or design concepts at this stage. Any such information included will not be reviewed and from may disqualify the Artist consideration.

This RFQ is open to professional artists and artist teams legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other).

Works must be original to the artist. Art created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be considered. If artificial intelligence is used as part of your artistic process, please provide a detailed explanation of the specific tools utilized and approach to implementation.

Subcontractors may be used and are defined as those providing technical implementation such as construction, fabrication and/or assembly for portions or all of a finished product under direct supervision and control of the selected Artist. (Examples might be a base for a sculpture, adding certain materials to a finish, etc.) The Artist will be required to provide proof of insurance for themselves and any subcontractors if they are selected for the final installation.