Madison Reporter

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is inviting artists to apply for the Teejop Community History Public Art Project (TCHPAP), which will take place during the summer and fall of 2026. The initiative seeks temporary outdoor public art installations that highlight the cultural ties with Teejop, an area now known as Madison.

Selected artists are expected to create art that can endure outdoor conditions for at least three months. The project aims to engage with locations and themes identified by a local Ho-Chunk community group, facilitated by staff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Omar Poler, an Indigenous Educator Coordinator for UW-Madison, stated, “In my opinion, this project has been guided by a profound sense love, respect, and responsibility. It’s a gift to our community that encourages us all to learn about Indigenous peoples, reflect, and mindfully engage with the beautiful place we all call home.”

Artists connected to Teejop or Indigenous art are encouraged to apply. The selection process will prioritize proposals that engage meaningfully with the project's themes and intentions.

Nick Pjevach, Chair of the Madison Arts Commission, said: "This initiative represents an important opportunity to bring together artistic expression and historical awareness in public places in Madison that are important to many Ho-Chunk people. We're excited to see how artists represent the stories and themes identified in this call for art."

Project budgets range from $5,000 to $10,000. Initial applications require only an indication of potential funding level within this range; detailed budgets are needed only for final proposals.

The Request for Qualifications opened on June 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted by July 8, 2025. MAC's first review will occur on June 14, 2025; finalists will be notified in August. An orientation for finalists is scheduled for August 22, 2025. The exhibition period runs from August 1 to November 1, 2026.

For application guidelines and site information visit the application page.

The TCHPAP is supported by a major grant from Madison Community Foundation’s Year of Giving along with additional support from the City of Madison Madison Arts Commission and UW-Madison.

The MAC is an advisory body appointed by the Mayor focusing on arts appreciation through partnerships and diverse activities while preserving Madison's artistic tradition.

To stay updated on MAC news sign up via email through the City’s e-mail lists page under “Madison Arts Updates” in DPCED section.