City of Bloomington selects “Undulate” by local artist for Hopewell Commons

BLOOMINGTON-  The City of Bloomington, in partnership with the Bloomington Arts Commission, has selected local artist Jon Racek’s proposal of Undulate as the public art installation for Hopewell Commons, funded by the City’s 1% for the Arts program.

Undulate

Racek was selected from four finalists invited by the city to submit full proposals for the project. The process began in March 2024, when the city issued a Request for Artist Qualifications, seeking submissions for a signature artwork to enhance the new Hopewell Commons area.

A recommendation committee comprising members of the Bloomington Arts Commission, City of Bloomington staff, and community stakeholders reviewed the proposals, considering artistic quality, alignment with the welcoming and communal nature of Hopewell Commons, and feasibility of installation. Public feedback was also a factor in the decision.

The installation of Undulate is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2025. The project has a budget of $100,000, funded through the City of Bloomington’s 1% for the Arts Ordinance, which designates at least one percent of the city’s contribution to capital projects for public art.

The City of Bloomington will host a public project update on the Hopewell neighborhood on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St. The event will cover the development timeline, park features, and common spaces of the Hopewell project.