Central Avenue Bridge Mosaic Public Art Project

The Boulder Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create original mosaic artworks for the Central Avenue Bridge in Boulder, Colorado. The bridge will be located along the north side of Central Avenue near 57th Street, adjacent to Flatiron Industrial Park. Two mosaic artworks will be installed on the concrete bridge walls facing the sidewalk and street, with each inset measuring approximately 2.5 feet high by 20 feet long by 0.5 inches deep. The commission budget is approximately $40,000 USD.

The selection panel is looking for two-dimensional exterior mosaic artwork in glass and/or ceramic tile with a cutting-edge aesthetic that highlights innovation and technology while drawing attention to Boulder's natural beauty. Artworks will be visible from street view and should enhance the pedestrian experience across the bridge. All materials must be suitable for outdoor display, easy to clean and maintain, and highly durable with low maintenance requirements. Applicants should consider long-term conservation and maintenance, and finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator to ensure conformity with city standards and ADA requirements.

Eligibility is open to Colorado artists regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability. Single artists or multi-person collaborative groups may apply. The selection panel is especially interested in artists who can demonstrate an understanding of the area's history, landscape, and culture. Applicants must submit four digital images of previously completed artworks, a one to two-page résumé, and a statement of interest (maximum 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. Three finalists will be selected and paid an honorarium of $500 to create site-specific proposals and participate in interviews. The final artist or artist team will be selected from the finalist interviews and proposals. The $40,000 budget is inclusive of all project costs including design fees, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and contingency expenses. The deadline for entry is Monday, June 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST.