Evanston to Select Ryan Field Mural Finalists

The city is reviewing design proposals for a new public art mural to be installed on the Ryan Field stadium facade.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cultural

Evanston to Select Ryan Field Mural Finalists

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The Evanston Arts Council is currently reviewing 24 design submissions for a new mural at the Ryan Field stadium. Finalists will be selected to present their work to the Ryan family for the final design decision.

Why it matters

This public art project is a required benefit under the Northwestern University stadium development agreement. A new nonprofit was created to manage these arts initiatives to streamline bureaucratic oversight between the city and the university.

The city has received 24 mural applications to date, with the council planning to narrow the pool down to three finalists. These projects are supported by a $500,000 budget for the pilot arts festival spanning 2026 and 2027.

The players

Evanston Arts Council

This local government body is responsible for reviewing and scoring the submitted mural designs for the stadium project.

Northwestern University

The institution is providing $250,000 in annual funding for the arts festival as part of a stadium development agreement.

Criss Henderson

He serves as the inaugural creative and executive director for the newly formed nonprofit managing the arts festival.

The details

The mural will be installed as a vinyl print on the southeast facade of the new stadium. The project management and festival funding are guaranteed through 2040, bolstered by $250,000 in annual contributions from Northwestern University.

September 29, 2026: Mural design application process opened.
October 20, 2026: City reported 24 mural design applications received.
October 24, 2026: Mural design application window closes.
November 9, 2026: Arts Council meeting to select mural finalists.
Summer 2027: Pilot Evanston Live Arts Festival scheduled to begin.

Industry Dynamics

This project highlights a growing trend of integrating mandated community arts funding into large-scale sports stadium redevelopments. It follows the structural requirements set by the Northwestern University stadium development agreement to ensure long-term local cultural investment.

Residents can expect the new mural to be visible on the stadium facade once completed following the selection process. The public will also have access to the Evanston Live Arts Festival starting in the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

The installation of this mural marks a significant expansion of public art in the city funded by private development contributions. Residents should monitor upcoming announcements from the Arts Council regarding the selection of the final mural design.