Mural Arts Park Project Manager/Consultant for Artistic Curation

Mural Arts Project

Project Manager/Consultant for Artistic Curation

Project Overview: The Mural Arts Project (MAP), located at 3220 W Ogden Avenue in Chicago, will be a vibrant and calming cultural destination in North Lawndale highlighting the mural arts. The vision of MAP is to be an inspirational venue offering opportunities for respite, discovery, and learning. MAP will feature large-scale murals and other mediums such as sculptures and projections. It will maintain a permanent collection of key works and rotate aspects of the collection to keep the space fresh and interesting, encouraging return visits. MAP is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026 and will be led by the newly established nonprofit organization, Chicago Special Projects Group (CSPG).

The Curatorial Team is integral to the success of the Mural Arts Project (MAP). This group of dedicated individuals is the driving force behind the artistic vision and curation. The Curatorial Team is responsible for defining, operationalizing and stewarding the artistic vision for the MAP. Further, they are also responsible for selecting the murals that will be featured in the space.

Based on early conversations, the Curatorial Team has set the following draft goals from Spring 2025 - Summer 2026:

• Summer 2025 Mural: Commissioning a large mural on Ogden Avenue in collaboration with the community. The Curatorial Team intends to issue a call for proposals in the spring and install the mural at a community event.

• Summer 2026 Murals: Commissioning at least three large murals for the site opening, including a signature mural.

• Planning: Developing a long-term strategy and annual work plan for the Curatorial Team involves several key components to ensure the team's success and alignment with the overall goals of the Chicago Special Projects Group. This process includes (a) setting goals, (b) allocating resources, (c) developing timelines, (d) establishing decision-making processes,(e) implementing contracting procedures and (f) planning for installation and maintenance.

Project Management Responsibilities:

The Chicago Special Projects Group’s Curatorial Team is seeking to hire a Chicago-based Project Manager to serve on a contract basis to support the project's launch and help achieve the goals stated above. The Curatorial Team is seeking someone who is passionate about this project and has experience bringing an artistic vision to life. The timeline for this role is from Spring 2025 to Summer 2026. Initial work hours are expected to be between 15-30 hours per week for Spring 2025; hours may vary as the project progresses.

The position will be paid hourly for the first three months, after which both parties will determine the next steps. Compensation will be discussed during interviews and will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Key responsibilities include the following.

• Mural Coordination: Plan and execute the Summer 2025 Mural and the Summer 2026 Murals, including developing a recommendation short list of muralists and overseeing the creation and installation processes.

• Project Management: Support the Curatorial Team by helping them refine their goals, develop timelines and workplans, establish decision-making processes, create contracting procedures, plan installation processes, and track expenses. As projects launch, provide regular updates and reports to the team, highlighting progress, challenges, and solutions.

• Liaison with Artist Community: Serve as the primary point of contact for artistic stakeholders, including tracking a broad list of potential muralists, drafting calls for proposals, drafting contracts and serving as the contact person in terms of logistics.

• Liaison with the Community Launch Committee: Provide curation process and timeline updates to the advisory committee of community stakeholders, including nonprofit leaders, organizers, artists and residents. Partner with the Committee to identify local artistic assets (i.e. muralists and potential artistic partners).

Due to the start-up nature of CSPG, responsibilities may fluctuate based on evolving needs.

Qualifications

• A strong commitment to the vision of the Mural Arts Project.

• Significant project management experience within Chicago's arts and cultural sector. Demonstrated capacity to prioritize and manage multiple diverse projects simultaneously. Experience with art exhibitions, curatorial practices and/or gallery operations is preferred.

• A track record of operating with excellence, integrity, and discretion. Comfort with a fast-paced, ‘start-up’ work environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Personal and/or professional experience in Chicago’s West side communities is preferred.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their passion for the Mural Arts Project; relevant project management experience; preferred hourly rate; and references. Please send information by April 27th to info@chispg.org