For Immediate Release                                                        Contact: City of Joliet

August 28, 2025                                                                                  815-724-4000                                                 

City of Joliet Awards Contract for City Square Sculpture to Sijia Chen Studio

“Dome of Unity” to Become Signature Public Art Installation in Downtown Joliet

Joliet, IL – The Joliet City Council will vote next Tuesday and is expected to approve awarding a contract to Sijia Chen Studio for the creation of a signature public art installation at City Square, located just steps from the historic Rialto Square Theatre.

Following an extensive review process and significant public input the Joliet Arts Commission recommended “Dome of Unity” by internationally recognized artist Sijia Chen as the selected sculpture. The 12-foot-tall, 19-foot-wide domed structure will serve as a focal point within City Square, designed to be functional, adaptive, and community-driven.

The competitive selection process began in February 2024, when the City issued an international call for artists. Fifty proposals were received, which were narrowed to 14 semi-finalists for public voting. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast, helping determine six finalists, who then presented their designs to the Joliet Arts Commission. “Dome of Unity” was ultimately chosen as the recommended artwork. The contract award is not expected to exceed $197,000.

“The Dome of Unity will not only be an iconic piece of art, but also a reflection of Joliet’s identity, history, and future,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “We are proud to work with the Arts Commission and Sijia Chen Studio to bring this vision to life in the heart of our downtown.”

Made of stainless steel with a protective anti-graffiti coating, the dome will feature Chinese paper cut techniques that incorporate figurative and abstract forms. These cutouts will allow light and air to pass through, cast dynamic shadows throughout the day, and contribute to the sculpture’s structural integrity.

As part of the project, Chen will lead a community engagement process to shape the final design. The public will be invited to participate in a town hall-style meeting and a papercut technique workshop, as well as contribute feedback through a dedicated project website. This process will ensure that the sculpture reflects Joliet’s diverse community voices and shared values.

Installation is expected to take approximately eight months following contract execution, with the goal of unveiling the completed sculpture in time for the Rialto Square Theatre’s 100th Anniversary Gala on May 16, 2026.

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About the City of Joliet

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.

Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: rdibenedetto@joliet.gov