Call for Commissioned Artist

Written By Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Deadline: August 22, 2025

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) proudly invites local Fox Valley artists to submit their applications for a unique opportunity to develop work in direct collaboration with the Orchestra. One artist will be selected to create reproduceable two-dimensional art representing their vision of the ESO by engaging with exclusive access to private rehearsals and an image bank of professional photographs of the orchestra.  

The selected artist will engage with ESO staff from mid-September to develop joint artistic and organizational strategies in preparation for the rehearsals taking place October 8-10. The artist will be immersed in the work leading up to the opening weekend of the season, with access to rehearsals to capture the Orchestra at work in the form of sketches, photos and other means to be agreed with the staff.  

Following the concert weekend, the artist is expected to submit weekly updates until completion of the final piece(s) to be delivered by November 14, 2025.  The format of the updates is to be agreed upon between the artist and ESO staff in charge of the project. 

The artist selected will receive a $1,000 stipend for this collaboration. The artist will be responsible for the creation of 1-3 pieces, with the additional understanding that property rights are signed over to the ESO for the purposes of reproduction and distribution. 

Artist will be selected by a committee comprised of musicians, Board members, staff and volunteers.  

Expectations: 

  • Meeting with ESO artistic and organizational staff during the second half of September to determine suitable strategies for work sessions during the week of rehearsals 

  • Attending a minimum of two rehearsals from October 8-10, one of which must be the dress rehearsal on the evening of Friday, October 10 

  • Actively communicating with ESO staff about the process, with timely updates and adhering to the timeline delineated above 

  • Delivering video material to be used for marketing purposes through ESO’s channels 

  • Delivering the original final piece(s) and a high-quality scan or photo to be used for reproduction by November 14 

Other benefits: 

  • Being featured on ESO’s website, newsletter and social media posts 

  • Being introduced to the ESO community, including musicians, operational staff, patrons and donors, creating the possibility of further independent engagement 

  • Tickets for ESO concerts 

  • Possible interviews and further engagement in the community 

 

Application: 

To apply, please send the following to l.moraes@elginsymphony.org by 11:59pm on August 22, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. 

  • Artist statement 

  • Cover letter exposing how this opportunity is of interest and how it will further artistic development/goals 

  • 3-5 sample pieces created in the past 5 years  

Questions should be addressed to Luiza Moraes at l.moraes@elginsymphony.org.  

Applicants can expect a decision to be made by September 2, 2025.   

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
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