Who We Are

The Hektoen Institute of Medicine is a non-profit educational and research organization founded in 1943 by a group of prominent Cook County Hospital physicians in Illinois. They administer grants to improve care and resources for patients; conduct medical research and education, and spearhead Chicago’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts. Research endeavors have comprised: blood substitutes, HIV, and Artificial Intelligence to improve functionality of kidney biopsies.

project scope

The first phase of the Monument is the preliminary design concept. The winning artist will receive a cash prize of $20,000 USD. After a design is selected by a panel of distinguished judges, the artist may be asked to participate in the construction of the Monument, at a later date.

The artist should envision the Monument as a major outdoor or indoor public sculpture or installation and may or may not suggest a specific site in which to place the Monument. The Commission would expect the materials and concept to be in harmony with the environment and cultural topography. The design should provide a moving and creative concept that would speak to all nations and cultures.

The concept may include one large structure or several structures that address the themes of honor, remembrance, and resilience. The design should honor all who courageously served while much of society stayed home, locked-down by worldwide order. Aspects of remembrance might address the lives lost by illness, the pandemic experience, the suffering – hence the call to learn and to heal. The design should also embody notions of resilience and victory.