2022 Native American Heritage Project

The city of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO) and Adams County, is seeking to commission original public art. This project will commission 3D, large-scale, site-specific work that will have a strong visual impact and push Thornton into a contemporary setting. The project will incorporate Indigenous intervention into the practice of public art by honoring the location's historic significance and the current cultural contributions made by Indigenous peoples.

Thornton sits on the traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne), and Hinono'eiteen (Arapaho) people. This land holds historical, spiritual, and personal significance to indigenous nations of this region in addition to numerous others. Artists are strongly encouraged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and utilize interdisciplinary practices. The project asks artists to weave a dynamic, intersectional story of Indigenous cultures and influences that inspire the preservation of water resources, given the location's close proximity to the South Platte River.

The installation will be at Pelican Ponds Open Space, a 200-acre property with trails, walking paths, fishing, and natural play-scapes. The project budget is $80,000, inclusive of artist's fee, materials, fabrication and execution of work, equipment rentals, licenses, permits, and insurance. Applicants must submit 3-15 images and up to 5 videos (3-20 total samples). The review process includes portfolio review, semifinalist deliberation, and design presentations. Semifinalists will receive a modest honorarium to create a site-specific proposal and will be required to present via Zoom. Designs must be durable, family-friendly, and account for outdoor environmental factors. The design cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities.