Call for Art-WeGo Full Steam Ahead: A Public Art Celebration of West Chicago’s Railroad Legacy

Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2026

Artist Notification: March 9, 2026

The WeGo Full Steam Ahead project team invites artists to apply to participate in a large-scale public art initiative celebrating West Chicago’s railroad history, cultural diversity, and creative spirit.

Launching in May 2026, WeGo Full Steam Ahead will transform West Chicago into an outdoor art gallery featuring artist-designed train sculptures installed throughout downtown and other public spaces.

This project is presented by People Made Visible, West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago Public Library District, and West Chicago Parks Foundation, in collaboration with WeGo Together for Kids, the City of West Chicago, and the Cultural Arts Commission.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

WeGo Full Steam Ahead honors West Chicago’s identity as the first Illinois community created by the railroad, while highlighting the voices, stories, and creativity of today’s artists.

Selected artists will design and paint fiberglass train sculptures that reflect:

• Railroad history and labor
• Community stories and lived experiences
• Cultural heritage and diversity
• Personal artistic interpretation connected to West Chicago

Each sculpture will include a QR code linking to digital storytelling content and artist information hosted by the West Chicago City Museum.

ARTWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Large Train Sculptures (6’ long, 30” high)

• Quantity: 8
• Material: Fiberglass train sculptures
• Location: Downtown West Chicago public spaces
• Stipend: $1,000 per artist
• Display Period: May–October 2026 (with potential 2027 extension)

3D-Printed Train Sculptures (12x24,” 24x36”)

• Quantity: 10
• Location: Downtown businesses
• Stipend: $300 per artist

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This call is open to emerging and established artists. Priority will be given to artists with ties to West Chicago or the surrounding region and artists from historically underrepresented communities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Artists will be selected based on artistic quality, concept strength, relevance to project themes, and ability to meet deadlines.

PROJECT TIMELINE

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Artist Notification: March 9, 2026
• Painting Period: Spring 2026 in West Chicago
• Installation & Unveiling: May 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must submit an artist statement, concept proposal, 3–5 work samples, and a short bio or resume.

Full application details available here.

CONTACT

Sara Phalen, Director/Curator

West Chicago City Museum / People Made Visible

wegohistory@gmail.com