Ingersoll Avenue Projector Showcase
UPDATE 12/10/25:
The Avenues Arts & Culture volunteer committee developed this projector showcase concept in response to several requests over time from emerging artists who expressed interest in presenting their work on the corridor projector. Switching out the projector art is a manual process, but we recognized an opportunity to celebrate more of the talent in our community and we based the proposal below on similar public art calls for entries. Trying something new means ideas can evolve.
We hear the art community’s feedback related to our call for proposals, which was developed alongside local artist and gallerist committee members. In response, we have updated the call for proposals to:
- Remove the application fee, but will limit applications to one submission per artist.
- Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design has also come forward to donate an honorarium ($250 per artist selected) as artists deserve to be paid.
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is programming a highly visible canvas on our well-traveled cultural corridor for local multimedia artists to showcase their work in early 2026.
Since 2015, Ingersoll Avenue has been home to a 40′ x 60′ public art video installation on the east façade of the building at 2925 Ingersoll Avenue. This is made possible by a laser projector mounted on the rooftop next door. The primary work shown is “So Much Water So Close to Home,” an abstract animation by Iowa artist Matthew Kluber.
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is a nonprofit that provides economic development, marketing & promotion, enhanced maintenance, and beautification of this Cultural & Entertainment District located west of downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
By issuing a call for artists, we seek to celebrate the creativity that activates urban spaces and support our installation infrastructure.
Project description:
January and February are some of Iowa’s coldest, darkest months of the year. Iowa artists are invited to help brighten our corridor by submitting their own video works to be displayed on our public art projector in one-week increments. In addition to having their work showcased each evening on the east façade of 2925 Ingersoll Avenue, the artist(s) and their work will also be featured on The Avenues’ website, social media, and e-newsletters. Each selected artist will also receive a $250 honorarium, courtesy of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design.
Video requirements:
- Projected artwork should appeal to a wide audience, not contain any text, not be overly distracting to drivers along the corridor and not be offensive in any way.
- Video length can vary. Shorter loop (less than 5 minutes) recommended to reduce file size.
- Preference will be given to videos that contain movement and/or animation, but static images will also be considered.
- Video files should be sized 1080p (at minimum), 16×9 ratio, horizontal and submitted in an .mov, .wav or .mp4 format.
- Video files should be exported to ensure it will loop when played in the media player.
- Please disclose if AI was used in the production of your work.
- Artists must be 18 years of age or older and reside in Iowa.
Submission requirements:
- Artist resume
- Links to video file(s)
- Artist statement (no more than two paragraphs) expressing your work
- Limit one submission per artist
Project schedule:
- Call to Artists Issue Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025
- Review period: The Avenues Arts & Culture Committee will be responsible for reviewing the submissions and determining the official showcase schedule between December 20-January 8.
- Announcement of Artist(s) to be Showcased: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Showcase: January 19 and onward (exact schedule to be determined at a later date)
Contact:
Please submit questions to:
Lauren Kollauf, Executive Director
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
director@theavenuesdsm.com
