Will County Gazette

The Joliet City Council is set to vote on awarding a contract to Sijia Chen Studio for the creation of a new public art installation, “Dome of Unity,” at City Square in downtown Joliet. The decision follows an extensive review process led by the Joliet Arts Commission and significant input from the community.

The proposed sculpture, designed by internationally recognized artist Sijia Chen, will be a 12-foot-tall, 19-foot-wide domed structure. It is intended to serve as a focal point within City Square, located near the historic Rialto Square Theatre. The piece is described as functional, adaptive, and community-driven.

The selection process began in February 2024 with an international call for artists. The city received fifty proposals, which were narrowed down to fourteen semi-finalists for public voting. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast to help 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 amount is not expected to exceed $197,000.

Mayor Terry D’Arcy commented on the project: “The Dome of Unity will not only be an iconic piece of art, but also a reflection of Joliet’s identity, history, and future. 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.”

Constructed from stainless steel with an anti-graffiti coating, the dome will feature Chinese paper cut techniques using both figurative and abstract forms. These design elements will allow light and air through the structure while casting shifting shadows throughout the day.

Community engagement is planned as part of the project development. Artist Sijia Chen will lead activities including a town hall-style meeting and a papercut technique workshop. Residents can also provide feedback through a dedicated project website. This approach aims to ensure that diverse community perspectives are reflected in the final design.

Installation is expected to take about eight months after contract approval, with completion targeted for unveiling at the Rialto Square Theatre’s 100th Anniversary Gala on May 16, 2026.

Joliet is located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago in Will and Kendall counties and serves as Will County’s seat. As reported by the 2020 census, it is Illinois’ third largest city with a population of over 150,000 residents. More information about Joliet can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.

For further details or media inquiries regarding this project or other city matters, contact Rosemaria DiBenedetto at rdibenedetto@joliet.gov or by phone at 847-269-5556.