Aurora Central Rec Park/Plaza Public Art Commission

Aurora is seeking artists to create public artwork for a new 14-acre community park currently in development. The park will feature a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, a basketball court, picnic shelters, restrooms, a plaza area, open space, and a wetland with a pedestrian bridge. Several potential locations within the park have been identified for artwork inclusion.

The artwork should complement the surrounding landscape and natural environment valued by the neighborhood and wildlife, and should not impede views of the mountains. Artwork could explore movement through kinetic elements generated by wind or human engagement, though this is not required. Materials must be durable and appropriate for exterior applications in the Front Range climate, with temperatures ranging from sub-zero to over 100 degrees and exposure to snow, hail, wind, and extreme sun.

Applicants must submit 8-10 images/videos of relevant work (no conceptual proposals or drawings), a professional resume (maximum two pages), a statement of interest, and a brief bio. The selection process includes three phases: Phase One identifies qualified applicants and selects three finalists; Phase Two provides each finalist a $2,200 honorarium for a site visit, formal proposal development, and virtual interview; Phase Three involves the Selection Panel recommending the selected artist to the Art in Public Places Commission for approval, followed by multi-level city approval. Finalists will be notified May 15, 2025, with virtual presentations on July 21, 2025. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience creating exterior three-dimensional permanent works, working on projects with budgets of $100,000 or greater, and is comfortable working in the public sphere. Applicants must reside in the USA. The public art project budget is $220,000, including design, engineering, project management, overhead, fabrication, transportation, installation, and insurance. Artwork completion and installation is anticipated for late spring or early summer 2027.