City Heights Residence Hall Public Art Commission

The University of Colorado Denver seeks artists to create and install custom artworks for the new City Heights Residence Hall and Learning Commons on the Auraria Higher Education Center campus in downtown Denver. The residence hall, opening fall 2021, will house 555 first-year students and includes a Learning Commons wing serving the broader CU Denver community.

Artists are invited to submit qualifications for two opportunities: (1) custom artworks for the Learning Commons and Residence Hall lobbies (two total pieces) that reflect the CU Denver community and inspire students and education, and (2) custom art installations for Community Walls within residence hall dorm room corridors (15 total pieces). Corridor pieces should be similar in type and format but unique enough to differentiate each housing community. Artists are encouraged to involve students, faculty, and staff in creation. Lobby installations must last 50+ years; floor installations may be replaced multiple times during the building's life.

Budget: $20,000-$40,000 total, inclusive of all costs including design fee, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, and contingency. Semi-finalist artists receive $1,000 honorarium for design proposal. Suggested media include paint in situ, panelized paint, wall covering, appliqué (no greater than 3 inch relief), or combinations. Suggested themes (in order of preference): Inspirational, Appropriate for the time in which we live, Bold and Inspiring, Relatable. Suggested styles: Abstract, Collage, Graphic/color field, Photographic, or other suggestions.

Applicants must submit 6-8 digital images of previously completed artworks, a current résumé, and a statement of interest (250 words or less) via CaFÉ online platform. All applicants must be U.S. residents with skills and experience commensurate with major public art installation. Colorado-based artists and CU alumni and current faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to apply. Selection committee will choose semifinalists (no more than three) to present final proposals in March 2021. Final artist selection will be made from semifinalist proposals. Access to site for installation shall not occur prior to June 6, 2021; artwork must be completely installed by August 6, 2021.