In conjunction with its Bicentennial, Indiana University has been awarded a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to commission and complete a large cycle of aesthetically significant and conceptually cogent murals in the Reading Room of the Lilly Library, located in Bloomington, Indiana.
A commission of $400,000 will be awarded to the winner, whether it is an individual or a collective of artists. This funding will cover all aspects of artist production and installation: design and consultations, project materials, production, transportation and installation of the completed mural. The winner will recommend and advise on appropriate lighting for the murals. However, this lighting will be funded separately.
A major and arresting cycle of murals that projects a sense of place where powerful ideas are conveyed through the study of original books and documents will proclaim the Reading Room the heart of the Lilly Library. Thousands of hours each year are spent in this Reading Room by scholars, students, and intellectually curious visitors exploring the millions of literary artifacts held in one of the world's great rare books libraries. Once complete, the murals will boldly declare the Lilly Library Reading Room as a treasured destination for all who study and work here. Indiana University seeks to commission a masterwork worthy of the Lilly Library's world-class collections, as well as to highlight the library’s ongoing role in the exuberant and inclusive arts culture of the IU Bloomington campus.
Individuals and collectives who have previous experience or who can demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a similar large-scale public art project are invited to apply. International proposals are welcome. Proposed works must be wall mounted and fit into the allocated spaces.
More information can be found at http://libraries.indiana.edu/murals