Cedar Rapids eyes large-scale public art project in Wellington Heights

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids is looking to honor the history and character of the Wellington Heights neighborhood through a large-scale public art project.

The city is seeking interested artists for the street art project, which will cover a three-quarter mile stretch along 15th Street SE. Planned improvements include a sidewalk mural, artistic curb extension and bus shelter artwork.

“This project is something that will bring vibrancy and community identity to establish positive relationships within the neighborhood,” said Stephanie Schrader, Cedar Rapids’ community service coordinator. “That was really the impetus for this whole project.”

The project is meant to bring new life to a heavily traveled section of 15th Street between First Avenue NE and Mount Vernon Road. It is part of the city’s overarching public art plan adopted in 2022.

The city’s Public Art Commission determined the desired artistic components for the Wellington Heights project, although the exact design and overarching theme were left open for future discussion. The overall cost is estimated at $58,000 to be paid using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Schrader said the selected artist or artist team will be tasked with conducting at least two workshops to engage the Wellington Heights neighborhood for collaborative feedback and creative guidance before the design is finalized.

“A theme was not predetermined for this project, and the reason is that the art should really reflect the desires, values and spirit of the Wellington neighborhood,” she said. “We want artists to be able to engage the neighborhood throughout this process.”

Given the scope of the project, Schrader recognized that the final design will ebb and flow along 15th Street SE with some areas having more concentrated artwork than others. Still, the goal is to create a cohesive artistic display that enhances the pedestrian experience.

Artists and artist teams have until June 12 to submit their applications to the city for consideration. Applications will then be screened by a selection panel, and recommendations will be sent on the Public Art Commission for a final vote.

The selected artist or team will be notified by mid-July to allow for community engagement sessions to take place this fall. Art installation will begin in early 2026 with the intent for completion in June of next year.

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