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City of Madison

Committee Seeking Artists for State Street Campus Garage Public Art

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Rendering of the Lake Street Ramp Redevelopment from the corner of Lake Street and State Street
Image credit: Mortenson Development

The Ad Hoc State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Committee and the Madison Arts Commission are looking for applicants for a public art project at the new State Street Campus Garage at 415 N. Lake Street.

The deadline to submit the application is 2:00pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The redevelopment is a mixed-use project that includes an intercity bus terminal, public parking, and private student housing. This Percent for Art project will focus on the public spaces within the facility, including the bus terminal and parking garage, along with adjacent Hawthorne Court, which is also being reconstructed.

Learn More About the Project

The site serves as a major transportation hub for residents and tourists visiting the State Street pedestrian corridor, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the State Capitol, the Kohl Center, and more. This project provides an opportunity for a site-specific public artwork that creates a vibrant and welcoming environment, affirms the cultural significance of the area, and celebrates what makes Madison unique.

The call specifically asks for a vibrant artwork that uses, incorporates, or plays with light. The work could be self-illuminated or use natural or existing lighting conditions. It should engage viewers close-up and from a distance. The work must add beauty and visual interest to the site and make it more welcoming for pedestrians.

“Hats off to the City of Madison for not only integrating public art into new construction initiatives, but also providing equitable funding for artists to do their best work for the community. After all, data shows that cities with thriving public art scenes are economic hubs for tourism, migration, and consumer spending. This Percent for Art Project is a big one, and I’m delighted to see what our artists come up with for Madison’s newest redevelopment.”

—

TL Luke, Ad Hoc State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Committee Chair

Review Process

Phase I of the Request for Qualifications is now open and closes at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025. You can find links to the Request for Qualifications and the application at the bottom of this page.

Applicants only need to provide information about their public art experience and past projects at this time. The Ad Hoc Committee will review applications and propose three finalists to the Madison Arts Commission in mid-October.

During Phase II, the finalists will prepare site-specific design proposals. They will also have the opportunity to connect with stakeholders and community members as they develop their projects.

In February 2026, the Ad Hoc Committee will review the proposals & recommend a winner to the Madison Art Commission. The final design must receive the approval of the Madison Common Council before fabrication can begin. The selected applicant will receive $320,000 to design, fabricate and install the proposed artwork. The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.

Community Survey

Residents and stakeholders are asked to complete a short survey on public art ideas for the project to help guide the process. The results will be shared with Committee members and finalists. Survey responses are due by 2:00pm, Sept. 25, 2025.  An additional survey about the specific project proposals will follow the proposal submission date in early 2026.

Links and Additional Information

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