Carla Madison Recreation Center Public Art Commission

Denver Arts & Venues Public Art Program is seeking artists to create public art for the Carla Madison Recreation Center, a 68,000 SF facility that will be the first urban recreation center in Colorado. Located at the corner of Colfax Avenue and Josephine Street in central Denver, the center will include swimming pools, a gymnasium, fitness areas, community gathering spaces, classrooms, and outdoor amenities.

The selection panel has identified three primary locations for artwork: the eastern façade facing the recreation parking lot, the small plaza area between the recreation center and East High School, and the breezeway between the plaza and the entrance. The panel seeks a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork appropriate for the diverse community that utilizes the center. The artwork should speak to the historical nature of the Esplanade, City Park, the adjacent East High School, and the uniqueness of Colfax Boulevard. Themes of movement, transportation, and journey are encouraged, as are literary connections to the area. All media and materials are welcome, but artwork must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor public spaces.

The budget for this commission is up to $45,000 USD, allocated through the City of Denver's One Percent for Art Ordinance. This amount is inclusive of all costs including design fees, consultation, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and travel. Prevailing wage requirements apply to all work on city property. Applicants must be Colorado artists currently living and working in the state. Applications should include eight digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) submitted via www.callforentry.org. Up to three semifinalists will be selected for interviews and may receive an honorarium if a formal proposal is requested. The selected artist or team will collaborate with Public Art Program staff and the design team during finalization of designs for installation.