===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: _______________ WeGo Full Steam Ahead Public Art Proposal COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: July 10, 2025 STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD SIGNATURE __________________________ ITEM SUMMARY: A group of community organizations are proposing a public art installation of artistically painted train sculptures within the downtown for display in 2026 and 2027. The goal of this installation is to draw visitors downtown, recognize the community’s railroad history, celebrate the art culture, and educate on community history, arts, and culture. The primary organizations guiding this project include: Peo- ple Made Visible, the West Chicago Parks Foundation, West Chicago Museum, and the West Chi- cago Public Library District. The organizers have requested City partnership on this initiative, which include: sponsorship of one sculpture ($5,000 commitment), use of public land for sculpture installation, installation support, mar- keting assistance, and artist recruitment through the Cultural Arts Commission (CAC). The City has previously partnered on other public art installations in the past, including most recently the Olmec Trails exhibit in the amount of $15,000. It is important to note that the Olmec Trails installation was County-wide and had partners outside of the community. As the City Commission promoting public arts within the community, the proposed project is being presented to the CAC to determine the Commission’s ability to recruit artists for the project and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the requested City’s partnership. Some considera- tions include how the downtown business owners can be involved in the project, if and/or how this installation may affect or be affected by any County-wide art installation for the next two summers, and if and/or how this installation may affect or be affected by activities by the CAC. Should the CAC agree that City support is desirable, any recommended sponsorship amount ($5,000.00 or another amount) would need to be appropriately budgeted in the upcoming 2026 budget. Attached is the executive summary of the proposal for consideration and discussion. ACTIONS PROPOSED: Recommend approval of the City’s partnership in the proposed WeGo Full Steam Ahead Public Art Project. Attachment: WeGo Full Steam Ahead Executive Summary ===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] A group of West Chicago community organizations is proposing a two year public art display in West Chicago. Launching in 2026, “WeGo Full Steam Ahead” organizers ask for the city’s assistance in the following ways: sponsorship of one sculpture at a $5,000 level, use of public land for sculpture installation, installation assistance, publicity and promotion assistance, and coordination with the Cultural Arts Commission for artist recruitment and participation. Executive Summary: “WeGo Full Steam Ahead” A Public Art Celebration of West Chicago’s Railroad Legacy Presented by: People Made Visible | The West Chicago Parks Foundation | West Chicago City Museum | West Chicago Public Library District in collaboration with We Go Together for Kids, the City of West Chicago and Cultural Arts Commission Project Overview: " WeGo Full Steam Ahead " is a public art initiative that will place artistically painted train sculptures throughout West Chicago to celebrate the community's railroad heritage and cultural diversity. Launching in May 2026, this project aligns with America’s 250th anniversary and will promote pride, tourism, and engagement. Key Goals: • Revitalize Public Spaces: Transform downtown into an outdoor gallery to draw visitors and support local businesses. • Celebrate Local Artists & Diversity: Each of the sculptures will feature unique designs by area artists from diverse backgrounds. • Honor Railroad History: West Chicago was the first Illinois community created by the railroad. • Educate & Engage: QR codes on each sculpture will link to museum-hosted digital exhibits; activities include artist talks, walking tours, and library programs. 2026 Project Features: • 8 Large Painted Train Sculptures with benches in downtown public spaces • 10 Mini 3D Printed Trains placed inside downtown businesses to encourage foot traffic • Blooming Fest Unveiling Event (May 2026) • Programs & Events: School tours, library workshops, museum storytelling, and artist-led talks 1 ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Budget Summary: Estimated Total: $73,500 • Sculpture Fabrication: $37,000 • 3D Printed Trains for Businesses: $8,500 • Artist Stipends: $13,000 • Installation: $5,000 • Marketing: $2,000 • Events & Engagement: $3,000 • Digital Content: $1,000 • Admin, Insurance & Contingency: $4,000 Timeline: • Fall 2025: Artist selection • Winter–Spring 2026: Painting & preparation • May–Oct 2026: Downtown installation & programming • 2027 Expansion: Additional trains in parks and public spaces beyond downtown West Chicago Community Impact: • Honors national and local heritage through America 250 • Brings together arts, history, education, and tourism • Builds lasting pride and a new annual tradition for West Chicago For more information, contact: Acie Boyd, West Chicago Parks Foundation, acieboyd@gmail.com (708) 567-0818 Sara Phalen, West Chicago City Museum/People Made Visible, wegohistory@gmail.com (815) 751-0551 Benjamin Weseloh, West Chicago Public Library District, bweseloh@wcpld.info (630) 231-1552 x112 2