City of Boulder Public Art: Valmont Park Rain Garden

The City of Boulder Utilities Department and Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program invite Colorado-based artists to apply for a public art opportunity at the city-owned Valmont Park rain garden. The City of Boulder Stormwater Quality Program is looking to engage the public at stormwater control measures (SCMs) and increase awareness of stormwater and its impact on water quality. The main requirement for installations is that they must draw attention to the function of a rain garden.

The selection panel identified specific goals for this public art project: bring attention to the stormwater system and its role in protecting water quality; connect SCMs to water quality and other topics the public values such as recreation, wildlife, environmental and human health; create a sense of place by connecting people to these features and the surrounding environment; help people connect to the environment/watershed/stormwater through art; allow the Stormwater Program to engage more directly with the public; educate passersby and connect them to ways they can curb their own pollution of stormwater; and create unique and original artwork created directly in response to the site and functionality of the rain garden. The selection panel seeks a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork in all media and materials appropriate to this exterior location. Projects should not obstruct the right of way, impede the function of the rain garden, or require electrical tie-ins. All artwork must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor exposure.

A total project budget of $18,750 USD is available and is all-inclusive of the artist's design fee, consultation fees, structural engineering, insurance including Colorado Workers Compensation, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, per diem, lodging, project documentation, and contingency. For all work done on city property, prevailing wage requirements will apply. Between three to five artists or artist teams will be selected as semi-finalists and will receive a $250 honorarium to develop a proposal. Semi-finalists will have the opportunity to meet with the Selection Panel and Technical Review Committee during a site visit and should be prepared to present their proposals to the public. Applications must be submitted online via the CaFÉ system and include up to eight digital images of previously completed artworks (or up to two videos and two audio attachments for kinetic, sound, or media works), a statement of interest (maximum 2000 characters), and a one- to two-page résumé or CV highlighting professional accomplishments and any prior public art experience. The application deadline is October 25, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. For questions or translation support, contact [email protected].