The Knoxville Public Library is seeking to commission artists or artist teams to design, create, and install custom works of art to be commissioned as part of the library’s ongoing Public Art @ the Library program. 

Heather Libby, Adult Services Librarian tells KNIA/KRLS News the project aims to broaden the reach of the Knoxville Public Library’s Art Program by featuring the work of talented Midwest artists, and by offering those artists the unique opportunity to enter into a mutually beneficial art-based marketing campaign. This program is anticipated to become a bi-annual project. 

There are three rounds to the commissioning process. 

Round 1: The Knoxville Public Library has publicly announced a Request for Qualifications seeking interest from midwest-based artists. RFQ response is due from artists by Friday, February 18.

Round 2: From the pool of qualified artists, the selection committee will choose 7-10 artists/teams to submit proposals on the theme “community.” Each selected artist/team will receive a $250 honorarium for their proposal submission, due by April 15, 2022. 

Round 3: The selection committee will choose 3-5 artists/teams to be awarded contracts to create and install their custom artwork. Artists/teams will be offered a flat fee for the commission of their piece, and will enter into a licensing agreement with the potential for additional income. 

Finalists chosen and notified by Monday, May 2, and the art will be installed in early summer.

If interested, email the library at knoxlib@knoxville.lib.ia.us. Please Include “2022 KPL Public Art” in the subject line.