Central Denver Recreation Center Public Art Commission

The City of Denver Public Art Program is seeking artists for a public art commission at the Central Denver Recreation Center, a new 68,000 SF urban recreation facility located at the northeast corner of Colfax Avenue and Josephine Street in central Denver. The facility will include swimming pools, a gymnasium, fitness areas, community gathering spaces, classrooms, and outdoor amenities. The selection panel is interested in commissioning an artist or group of artists to collaborate with the design team to integrate artwork that connects the exterior/facade of the center with the interior space.

The artwork should be visible from Colfax Avenue and speak to the historical nature of the Esplanade, City Park, the adjacent East High School (Denver's first high school, opened in 1875), and the uniqueness of Colfax Boulevard, the longest continuous street in the United States. The selection panel is open to artwork in all media and materials and seeks a unique, one-of-a-kind work appropriate for the diverse community that will utilize the center. All artwork must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for public exposure to weather, physical stresses, and potential vandalism.

Applicants should submit eight digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. The selection panel will choose up to three semifinalists for interviews. If a formal proposal is requested, the artist will receive an honorarium to prepare and present the proposal in person. Semifinalists must submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form. The budget for this commission is up to $165,000 USD, inclusive of all costs including design fees, consultation, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and travel. Prevailing wage requirements apply for all work on city property. The project is open internationally to all artists; emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Semifinalist selection is expected in February, with finalist selection in March and notification in April.