2021 Public Art: Peace Wall Reimagined

The City of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission original public art for the Peace Wall project. The Peace Wall is located in front of the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center at 11151 Colorado Boulevard. The existing 2003 wall (approximately 6 feet high by 25 feet long) has undergone damage due to Colorado's extreme weather and materials unfit for outdoor installation.

The commissioned artist will address two phases: Phase I involves removing existing tiles and reimagining them into unique indoor 2D works that honor the original 2003 project's goal. Phase II involves utilizing the existing wall as a foundation to reimagine and reactivate the space with new and creative work. Artists are strongly encouraged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and interdisciplinary practices. The final work should push Thornton into a contemporary setting and become a destination-city engaged in conversations on art and culture.

The project budget is $37,000, inclusive of artist fees and all project costs (fabrication, transportation, shipping, installation, insurance, etc.). This is a national call open to all artists, design teams, and architectural firms age 18 and over. Work samples should include 1-10 images and 0-10 videos (1-20 total samples maximum). The review process consists of three rounds: Portfolio Review, Semi-Finalist Deliberation (with up to three semifinalists receiving an honorarium to create site-specific proposals), and Design Presentations. Semifinalists will present proposals via Zoom including final design, 3D renderings, itemized budget, production schedule, artist statement, materials list, warranty information, and maintenance procedures. The artwork must be durable, require minimal maintenance, withstand temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, be family-friendly, and cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities.