Byers Branch Library Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art program seeks to commission a Colorado artist or artist team to create a site-specific public artwork at the Byers Branch Library, located at 675 Santa Fe Drive in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood. The library, built in 1918 and designed by architects Varian & Varian, is one of nine libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie. The building is undergoing renovation including upgrades to infrastructure, new restrooms, and redesign of the community room and main library spaces.

The selection panel requests artists to create work for the interior of the building. Possible locations include main level interior walls (north and south facing) for two-dimensional or three-dimensional suspended artworks, stairwell artworks, and the community room in the lower level. The selection panel is open to two and three-dimensional artwork in all media, materials, and formats. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, as public art projects are exposed to physical stresses and vulnerable to vandalism. Projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials.

Eligibility is open to artists residing in Colorado, regardless of background. Artists are not required to have previous public art experience, and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. The budget for this commission is approximately $10,000 USD, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and travel. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work done on city property. Applicants must submit six digital images of previous work, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. The selection panel will choose between three and five finalists who will create site-specific proposals and present them to the panel. Selected finalists will be required to submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form and will receive an honorarium for their work.