2022 Riverdale Trail Project

The City of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission original public art for the Riverdale Trail. This project will commission several 3D, site-specific works that will have a strong visual impact and push Thornton into a contemporary setting. The project will incorporate interactive artwork informed by principles of universal design to ensure pieces are accessible for people of all abilities. Artists are strongly encouraged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and utilize interdisciplinary practices, including unique and exciting use of technology. This project asks artists to go beyond static imagery or statuary to engage visitors and activate the trail with accessible design.

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 project is phase one of a multi-year proposal that will install dynamic works along the Riverdale Trail. The interactive works for this first phase will explore universal design to create pieces that activate both the space and the viewer. Artists may choose to create work that is multi-sensory. Additional and specific site details will be provided to semifinalists.

The project budget is $84,000, inclusive of artist's fee, materials, fabrication and execution of work, equipment rentals, licenses, permits, and insurance. Applicants must submit a minimum of 3 and maximum of 15 images, with 0-5 videos allowed, for a total of 3-20 work samples. The review process consists of three rounds: Portfolio Review, Semi Finalist Deliberation (with up to three semifinalists receiving a modest honorarium to create site-specific proposals), and Design Presentations via Zoom. Designs must be family-friendly, durable, require minimal maintenance, and cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities. The award winner will coordinate installation with City of Thornton staff and provide detailed maintenance and repair guidelines.