The City of Bloomington is summoning artists far and wide to contribute their creative spark to a trio of public art projects that dot various locales within the city's landscape. The call to action, put forth by the City's Creative Placemaking team, seeks experienced public artists to enthrall, enhance, and embody the city's spirit through their works.

One such canvas earmarks Pond Dakota Mission Park as the site for a sculpture with deep roots in Dakota culture. Artists with a connection to or knowledge of Dakota heritage are urged to apply to craft a piece that will stand as a homage to the indigenous culture, gracing the park with a testament to the history and traditions of the Dakota people.

Bloomington's South Loop District is also getting a vibrant makeover with the 2025 ARTBOX Projects. Artists are invited to transform the mundane into the magnificent by painting utility boxes that would be visible daily to the South Loop populace. A select group of artists will reimagine two individual boxes—with a centerpiece location featuring a combination of two painted and four vinyl-wrapped boxes—the goal is to encapsulate the unique vibe of Bloomington in their designs.

Lastly, the Bloomington Ice Garden, affectionately known as BIG, is set to host a new mural in its vestibule. The City is on the hunt for an artist to capture BIG's storied connection with the local community, anchoring its historical significance on its walls. Turning to a page from modern art installations, the chosen design will be printed and mounted by a professional vendor, with funding support coming from, an anonymous benefactor's coin.

Artists yearning to leave their mark on Bloomington can find project details, submission guidelines, and deadlines on the city website, by reaching out to the placemaking team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 952-563-8744. For more information on the art opportunities, visit the City of Bloomington's Creative Placemaking page.