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City of Madison

Applications open for Imagination Center at Reindahl Park public art

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Computer rendering of the back patio of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
Image credit: JLA Architects

The City of Madison, the Madison Arts Commission, and The Bubbler at Madison Public Library are seeking a qualified public artist to create original artwork for the outdoor patio area of the new Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. This exciting opportunity offers a $70,000 commission for an artist or artist team to create a significant public art installation that will serve as a centerpiece for the new facility.

The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, currently under construction at 1818 Portage Road, represents a groundbreaking partnership between Madison Public Library, Madison Parks, City of Madison Engineering, and the Madison Public Library Foundation. This 17,500 square-foot community gathering space will serve as both a library and park pavilion, featuring year-round reservable spaces, indoor and outdoor programming, free Wi-Fi, public computers, and resources for health, wellness, work, and education.

The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park has been a community-led project from the start. It’s exciting to open this public art call and invite artists to both reflect and represent the northeast side of Madison. Public art is accessible to everyone, just as the public library is. We can’t wait to see how this unique outdoor location will spark creativity.

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Madison Public Library Director Tana Elias

Our parks are more than just green spaces — they’re gathering places that nurture creativity, community, and wellbeing. Partnering with the Madison Arts Commission and Madison Public Library to bring public art into the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park strengthens the connection between nature, culture, and learning. Together, we’re creating a welcoming, dynamic space where everyone can come together to be inspired, explore, and grow.

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Madison Parks Assistant Superintendent CJ Ryan

The selected artwork will become part of Madison's first park-based library, serving residents in the northeast area of the city. The Imagination Center aims to be a hub for social interaction, civic engagement, and cultural expression, making this public art commission particularly significant for community identity and pride.

Public parks and libraries are more important than ever in our digital age, serving as vital community anchors for learning, connection, and discovery. The opportunity to have an artist create a piece that celebrates our new District 12 library and park pavilion reflects how much this city values these essential institutions and creating a welcoming space for all. I’m glad to see our community investing in spaces that truly serve their people.

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District 12 Alder Julia Matthews

As the Alder for bordering District 17 and a member of the Library Board, I’m thrilled to see this next step in the development of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. This public art installation represents the perfect intersection of creativity, community, and learning that the Imagination Center embodies. By integrating art directly into the patio overlooking Reindahl Park, we’re creating an environment where visitors can experience the transformative power of nature, literature, and visual arts. I’m especially proud to see this kind of meaningful investment on the northeast side—a beacon of our commitment to making arts, culture, and learning accessible to everyone, right in the heart of our neighborhood.

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District 17 Alder Sabrina Madison

Artist Eligibility and Application Process

The Madison Arts Commission welcomes applications from professional artists and artist teams with demonstrated experience in public art installations. The selected artist will work closely with city staff, project architects, and community stakeholders to develop a concept that enhances the outdoor patio environment while reflecting the community-centered mission of the Imagination Center. The proposed work can be a single free-standing sculpture, or a multi part installation.  

Project Details

  • Project Budget

    $70,000 allocated through the Percent for Art ordinance. The Percent for Art program requires that one percent (1%) of the City's share of certain City public works projects like this be set aside to incorporate art into the project.

  • Project Location

    Patio area of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park near the solar tree feature.

    Public Art Location Details

  • Project Type

    Public art installation suitable for outdoor patio environment that harmonizes with the site and serves all users of Reindahl Park, the Imagination Center, and the multi-use path.

Timeline

  1. Applications open

    Interested artists can find the link to the application on the City of Madison Arts Grants page.

  2. Applications close

    Applications must be submitted by 12:00pm (Noon) Central Time.

  3. Subcommittee reviews

    The Public Art Subcommittee will review applications and recommend between three and five semifinalists.

  4. Semifinalists notified

    Semifinalists will be notified and will begin the design phase.

  5. Design proposals due

    Community surveying will begin once semifinalist designs are submitted.

  6. Madison Arts Commission reviews

    Semifinalists will present their designs to the Madison Arts Commission and vote on a finalist.

    * Date subject to change

  7. Finalist announced

  8. Installation

About the Imagination Center

The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is a joint project between the Madison Public Library, Madison Parks, City of Madison Engineering, and the Madison Public Library Foundation. The facility will be home to Madison Public Library's first new library in 25 years as well as a year-round park pavilion. The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park will provide crucial access to library services, technology, and community programming in an underserved area of the city, as well as add a four-season park pavilion to the City’s northeast side for family and community gatherings of all types. Construction began in spring 2025 with Corporate Contractors Inc. serving as the general contractor. The building is set to open in September 2026.

About the Madison Arts Commission

The Madison Arts Commission works to encourage artistic activities and performances throughout the city, supporting both emerging and established artists while enhancing the cultural landscape of Madison through public art initiatives.

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