City of Denver: Cook/Garland Park Public Art Commission

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) in the Virginia Village and Washington Virginia Vale communities of Southeast Denver. Funded by the nearby construction of the South Monaco Parkway Bridge over Cherry Creek, the goal of the project is to commission an artwork that encourages exploration and connection for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, while celebrating the local biodiversity of the area and creating an inviting experience for all who encounter it. The commission amount is approximately $207,000 USD and is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States.

The selection panel is seeking artists who work in mediums suitable for outdoor display and is interested in artworks that are interactive and encourage exploration, play and connection. The panel would like the artworks to be educational, to emphasize the Indigenous history of the area and highlight the many uses of the parks and paths. Artists are encouraged to learn about the local biodiversity of the area and consider how their work might safely and respectfully engage with local flora, fauna and wildlife. The artwork should incorporate principles of accessibility and universal design, ensuring it can be experienced by people of all abilities, including individuals with visual impairments.

While this project is funded by the construction of the bridge, the panel has identified preferred locations within nearby Cook or Garland Park. The panel is open to a range of media and materials appropriate for the outdoor park environment, including painting, sculpture, mosaic and artworks incorporating natural elements. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. The budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the project including the artist's design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any other costs. Applications require 4-6 images and up to 1 video, with finalist selection by February 5, 2026 and presentations on March 20, 2026.