Public Art of the Week

BWL public art contest

Public art was once defined by graffiti under bridges and classical sculptures in gardens, then cities like Philadelphia and Detroit rebranded public graffiti as art, thanks to folks like Banksy, Haring and thousands of lesser known but accomplished artists with single names like XSM and QZAR.

In less than a decade, Greater Lansing has taken big steps in funding and promoting public art. Just open your eyes and look around you at amazing artwork that dots the area.

One successful partnership in promoting public art has been between the Board of Water & Light and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, which every three years has held a competition for a public art installation at the BWL’s Central Substation in REO Town.

Currently, the bold “tres cuervos” (three crows) art installation by Theresa Rosado graces the Washington Avenue entrance into REO Town. There have been four installations since the REO Town began.

The Arts Council and the BWL recently opened the 2025 call for artists’ proposals for the next installation. The winning artist is awarded a licensing fee of $1,000 for the one-time use, with all installation fees covered by the board. The artist retains the rights to the artwork.

The deadline for submitting the art proposal is March 25. Artists must be from Ingham, Eaton or Clinton counties.

The art can be of new or existing art; it must be two dimensional and can include digital art or photography.

According to the Arts Council, judging criteria include that the art must be prominent, appropriate, colorful and vibrant. There is to be no nudity or propaganda.

Interested artists must show a competence in creating two-dimensional art works that are innovative and highly visual. The winning piece of art is installed 18-by-45 feet or billboard size.

Public Art of the Week is a new feature that rotates with Eyesore of the Week. If you have an idea for either, please email eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call (517) 999-6704.