City of Batavia West Cemetery Sculpture Competition

The City of Batavia, Illinois, a city of approximately 26,000 located 40 miles west of Chicago (www.cityofbatavia.net), announces a sculpture design competition for a work of public art.

The City owns and manages two municipal cemeteries. In 2021 the City completed
construction of a columbarium structure within its west cemetery. The west cemetery
was originally established in 1845. It consists of 21 acres of wooded property, just west of the Fox River. The west cemetery is located along Batavia Ave. (IL Rte. 31) between Morton and Merlo Streets, near Batavia’s historic downtown. The City desires to have a work of public art installed atop the new columbarium structure.

Purpose/Theme: It is anticipated that the sculptural work will become a woven part of the fabric of the cemetery and will remain in place for at least the next century. As such, the sculpture should present a timeless design that reflects a level of reverence, honor and dignity befitting of those who rest within the cemetery. The columbarium is within eyesight of the cemetery’s military war memorial. Many servicemen and women have been laid to rest within the cemetery; however, the cemetery does not just honor fallen veterans. The cemetery provides a final resting place for all of Batavia’s citizens, young and old, regardless of their individual backgrounds. The cemetery is publicly owned, nondenominational and non-sectarian and is open and accessible to people of all faiths and religions. The sculpture should strive to capture a sense of inclusion, peace and tranquility.

Who May Submit Proposals: Open to artists 18 years of age or older residing within the United States of America.

• Note: Work done as class projects will not be considered.

Awards: Commission and Award of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for the completed and installed sculpture. Award distribution will be scheduled with the artist prior to the commission grant.

For full details on the West Cemetery Call for Sculpture Competition, click here.

City Contact Information:

The City’s primary point of contact for this project is Mr. Gary Holm, Director of Public Works, (630) 454-2309, gholm@cityofbatavia.net

The City’s secondary point of contact for this project is Ms. Laura Newman, City
Administrator, (630) 454-2053, lnewman@cityofbatavia.net