Bradley University and Big Picture Peoria, with the support of the Greater Peoria Leadership Council (GPLC) and Choose Greater Peoria, have joined forces on a public art project designed to strengthen the connection between Bradley’s campus and the surrounding Peoria community. Beginning today, the partners are inviting current Bradley students and alumni to submit concepts for a large-scale art installation that will anchor a newly reimagined gateway at the intersection of Main and University Streets.

The public art project—funded through the GPLC’s Sprint Grant program—aims to transform the Main Street corridor into a vibrant and welcoming destination for students, residents, and visitors. The selected artwork will be installed on the façade of Harper Hall, a highly visible corner where “campus meets community” and thousands pass by daily.

The large-scale installation will celebrate leadership, innovation, and compassion through the modern spirit of Bradley University, its founder, Lydia Moss Bradley, and the Peoria community. Artists are encouraged to interpret these themes in bold, contemporary ways that resonate with today’s students while honoring Bradley’s historic legacy of courage and vision. The artist of the chosen piece will receive $5,000 for their work.

“Bradley is proud to call Peoria home, and we’re honored to highlight the remarkable creativity and talent of our students and alumni,” said James Shadid, President of Bradley University. “This project reflects the strong connection between Bradley and the community, and it brings our shared spirit and imagination right into the heart of the Main Street experience.”

Big Picture Peoria—known for its large-scale art installations, art and film festivals, and mission to build a more vibrant city through the arts—will work with Bradley University to help guide the artistic process.

“Creative placemaking changes how people feel in a space,” said Mark Misselhorn, Big Picture Peoria co-founder. “Art connects people, and this installation will help students and the community feel that on Main Street. It also captures the story of Bradley and Peoria—how our histories and futures are linked—and celebrates what we can create together.”

The artwork will be on a mounted system measuring 30 feet wide by 48 feet high. It will be illuminated in the evening, enhancing visibility, safety, and vibrancy along the corridor. The installation is scheduled to be completed in April. Bradley University is also redesigning the adjacent gateway, making the artwork a focal point of a broader placemaking effort.

Submission details and full call for artists can be found on Big Picture Peoria’s website at https://bigpicturepeoria.org/call-for-artists/

About Bradley University
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Ill., offering students a personalized, transformative experience to prepare them for future success. With more than 100 programs, a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, and guaranteed experiential learning opportunities for 100% of students, Bradley provides an individualized hands-on education with nationally recognized faculty. Bradley offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs including business, communication, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

About Big Picture Peoria
Big Picture Peoria is a 501(c)(3) organization that builds a thriving and vibrant community by using arts and creativity as a driver for social connection, economic development, and wellness.

About the Greater Peoria Leadership Council (GPLC)
The GPLC supports initiatives that strengthen civic pride, innovation, and prosperity throughout the Greater Peoria region. The GPLC is a founding partner in the Choose Greater Peoria initiative.