AMERICA 250 | Open Call For Young Artists

CONVOCATORIAS DE ARTE

This year, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.The Declaration of Independence announced that the American colonies were separating from British rule. It stated that all people are created equal and have certain unalienable rights — including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas helped shape the foundation of our country.

Now, 250 years later, we are asking a new question: What does the future of America look like?

Side Street Studio Arts, in partnership with the City of Elgin, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, and Your Neighbor Elgin, invites young artists under the age of 18 to share their vision for the next 250 years.

One selected artwork will inspire a permanent public sculpture to be installed in downtown Elgin in 2026.

Theme: The Future of America

This project is not about recreating history. It is about imagining what comes next.

We are looking for artwork that explores:

What kind of country do you hope America becomes?
What does freedom look like in the future?

We encourage bold ideas, thoughtful reflections, and hopeful possibilities.

Who Can Apply:

Elgin residents
OR Students enrolled in an Elgin-based school
Artists must be under 18 at the time of submission
Individual artists or teams may apply

What to Submit:

One original artwork (2D or 3D submissions accepted)
Drawing, painting, mixed media, digital art, sculpture concepts, collage, etc.

The short application below must be submitted with the artwork - either in person or digitally.

Artists may submit digitally or in-person at:

Side Street Studio Arts

15 Ziegler Ct., Elgin. 60120

Fridays 3-7pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, or by appointment (email info@sidestreetstudioarts.org to schedule a time to drop off)

The KidsSpace Desk at Gail Borden Public Library

270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. 60120

during all open hours: https://www.gailborden.info/about-the-library/hours-addresses#mainLibraryHours.

Award & Opportunities:

One selected artist or team will receive a $500 minimum honorarium.
A professional Elgin-based artist team will work with the selected young artist to transform the design into a permanent public sculpture.
The sculpture will be installed in a prominent public location in 2026.
Additional selected artists will have the opportunity to have their work featured and displayed in and around Elgin in the months surrounding the America 250 celebration.