Public call for artists launched as part of company’s Community Art Initiative
Chicago, IL (June 16, 2026) – NewMark Merrill Companies, Inc. is inviting local artists to submit portfolios for consideration to create new murals at Lake Meadows Square in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The opportunity is part of NewMark Merrill’s Community Art Initiative, a long-running program designed to bring meaningful, place-based public art to neighborhood shopping centers and strengthen community connection through creative expression.
The Lake Meadows project will offer artists the opportunity to be considered for one of five mural locations within the shopping center: the side wall of Foot Locker, the side wall of LA Fitness featuring three rectangular mural sections, and the corner wall of Jewel-Osco. Located at Martin Luther King Dr. and 35th St., Lake Meadows Square is a 179,106-square-foot mixed-use center that serves as a daily destination for the surrounding community. Site map and photos of the walls are on page two)
NewMark Merrill is especially encouraging submissions from artists with ties to Bronzeville and is seeking work that reflects the culture, energy, and identity of the neighborhood. Artists with mural experience or a background in large-scale public art are preferred, though all applicants will be evaluated based on artistic quality, relevance to the community, and ability to work within the project budget.
“Public art has the power to make every day spaces feel more personal and more rooted in community,” said Sandy Sigal, President and Chief Executive Officer of NewMark Merrill Companies. “At Lake Meadows, we want this project to reflect the people and spirit of Bronzeville. Our hope is to create something that feels meaningful to the neighborhood and gives local artists an opportunity to leave a lasting mark in a place people visit every day.”
Interested artists are invited to submit to Edie Trott at [email protected] the following requirements:
- A portfolio of relevant work
- A brief artist bio or statement
- Examples of previous mural or public art projects
- A short letter of interest and explains their connection to the Bronzeville community
- Contact information
- Website and/or social media links, if available
Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2026. All submissions will be reviewed based on connection to Bronzeville, mural experience, artistic style, overall fit for the site, and budget alignment.
About NewMark Merrill Companies
NewMark Merrill Companies, Inc. owns and/or manages a portfolio of over 110 shopping centers valued at more than $3 billion. Since 1987, President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy Sigal has led the company of shopping centers representing over 2,000 tenants and 13 million square feet in California, Colorado, and Illinois. The Company has founded and invested heavily in BrightStreet Ventures, its technology company, which is working on leading edge solutions for landlords and tenants to succeed in today’s retail environment. For more information, please visit NewMarkMerrill.com.
Site Map of Mural Locations in red
Foot Locker – 2 squares measuring 9ft x 46ft
LA Fitness – 3 squares each measuring approximately 10.5ft x 24.25ft (seeking 3 separate artists)
Jewel Osco wall
