Athmar Park Library Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original public artwork for the Denver Public Library: Athmar Park Branch located at 1055 S. Tejon St., Denver, CO 80223. The budget for this commission is approximately $20,000.00 USD. Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the state of Colorado. An 11-member selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture professionals, and civic leaders will select and recommend an artist or artist team for this project.

The Athmar Park Library is a community hub serving a diverse neighborhood with significant Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking populations. The library will undergo renovation including building additions and system improvements. The selection panel has identified the outside entry as the main area for public art, which could be located on the left or right side of the building entrance. Goals for the artwork include reflecting the diversity of the neighborhood, engaging youth and intergenerational audiences, being designed at human-scale with multiple functions, and reflecting the neighborhood's long-standing lowrider and cruising culture. The selection panel is open to three-dimensional artwork in diverse media including concrete, rock, stone, and other materials suitable for outdoor display that considers the architectural significance of the building.

All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, as the artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection. Artworks should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. The budget of $20,000.00 USD is inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and project documentation. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work done on City property. Entry deadline: July 18, 2023, 11:59 P.M. MST. Finalist notification is expected September/October 2023.