City of Denver: La Alma Pool Public Art Commission

Colorado artists only. The La Alma Pool and Pool House is scheduled for renovation beginning fall 2010, with completion expected in spring 2011. The existing pool and pool house will be completely demolished and replaced with a new regional aquatic play facility, lap pool, and pool house designed to create diverse spaces for different user groups.

The La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood has deep historical roots, particularly within the Latino community. The words "La Alma" mean "The Soul" in Spanish. The area was formed in the late 1800s from a city purchase of land from military post Camp Wheeler. Historic buildings include the Buckhorn Exchange (built 1890s) and West High School (built 1924). The adjacent La Alma Recreation Center has been "the soul of the community" for many years.

Art opportunities include: Pool Area Fence (art integrated into fence line, on fence panels, or replacing sections of fence panels); and 3D stand-alone, kinetic, or light installations at several locations (11th & Osage grassy corner area, main entrance to pool northeast area, and northwest pool area near water slide/interior fenced area). The project selection panel emphasized that a community component could be beneficial and that artwork should have a strong year-round presence, as the pool is open only three months per year.

Applicants must submit eight digital images, a résumé, and a letter of interest of no more than 250 words. Single artists or multi-person collaborations may apply. Semi-finalists (3-5 selected) will receive an honorarium of $500 to prepare and present a final proposal in person. The total contract awarded to the selected artist or artist team is approximately $21,000, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and project documentation. All applicants should consider long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, as projects are exposed to weather and subject to vandalism. Proposals will be reviewed for conformity with City standards of maintenance and durability.