City skyline over Lake Monona.
Planning

Arts Opportunities

Continuous Calls

  • Reflection. by Dennis Nechvatal
    Image credit: Dennis Nechvatal

    Existing Art Call

    Madison Arts & the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) invites artists to submit existing artwork(s) for City of Madison projects. This call will always be open, and we invite artists to submit up to 10 of their existing artworks each year. MAC will consider submitted artwork for any project in a City facility or funded by the City. Selected works may be either purchased, loaned, or licensed, depending on the project. Applying to this call does not guarantee that MAC will select your work.

    Explore pre-approved artwork

  • Foodways Darmstadt by Spatula&Barcode
    Image credit: Spatula&Barcode

    Social Practice Artist

    The City of Madison & the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) are seeking social practice artists for various City of Madison projects. This call will always be open, and we invite artists to register at any time. Registered artists will be considered for opportunities as they arise. Applying to this call does not guarantee that The City of Madison or the Madison Arts Commission will select you for a project, but it will expedite our processes when projects arise.

  • Beehive Project by Chele Isaac

    BLINK Temporary Public Art Commissions

    BLINK supports temporary public art in Madison. MAC invites artists to propose temporary works in unsuspecting places in the community. Artists should propose ideas that are modest in cost, yet unique, bold and ambitious. We commission projects for up to $3,000. Projects must be accessible to the public.

    Artists can apply for a BLINK commission at any time. MAC will review applications submitted February - April in May. MAC may consider proposals outside the city if the project would benefit the artist & the City.

Call for Artists

  • Lake Monona Skyline Graphic

    Madison LakeWay Project

    The Ad Hoc Madison LakeWay Public Art Selection Committee and the Madison Arts Commission are accepting applications from artists, artist teams, and artist-led companies to provide site-specific artwork as part of the Madison LakeWay SkyLine Project.  This project is funded in part by the Percent for Art Program, which requires 1% of the City contribution for eligible capital projects to be used for public art, but the majority of the funding will be privately raised by the Madison LakeWay Partners.

  • Line drawing of a small metal building with the words Thurber Park above

    Thurber Park Artist in Residence

    The City of Madison and the Madison Arts Commission are looking for the next Artist-in-Residence for the Thurber Park Art Studio. The artist will have access to a free studio space (including utilities but no WIFI) for 11-months, with the opportunity to extend the residency for another 12-months. The artist will receive a $7,800 stipend per year to cover costs associated with required community engagement activities.

Other Opportunities

 

A circle of light blue with a black cross in the center that symbolizes the four lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra and Waubesa). In the center of the black cross is a gold circle symbolizes the dome of the State Capitol. The bottom of the cross morphs into a pen nib, representing writers. Above the circle is the word Madison in light blue, and below the circle is Youth Poet Laureate in light grey.

Madison Youth Poet Laureate Call

The City of Madison and the Madison Arts Commission are seeking a 2026-27 Youth Poet Laureate (YPL). Madison Poet Laureate Steven Espada Dawson will mentor the YPL. The YPL will give at least three public readings alongside the Madison Poet Laureate. The first reading will be at a Madison Common Council meeting when they accept the role. The YPL can also compete in the regional and national youth poetry competitions. Learn about our current and past Youth Poet Laureates.

Was this page helpful to you? * required