City of Denver Public Art Commission: Denver County Jail Corner - Smith Road and Havana Street

The Denver County Jail, built in 1954 at the intersection of Smith Road and Havana Street, is undergoing redevelopment as part of the Stapleton community revitalization. The project includes construction of a new housing unit at the jail and funding to beautify the corner, including a new sidewalk and green lawn area at the intersection and along Havana Street. The selection panel seeks a unique, site-specific public artwork for this increasingly visible corner and greenway.

The selection panel is open to three-dimensional artwork in all media and materials, which may include artist-designed landscaping and planted elements in irrigated areas. The artwork should acknowledge the complexities of the site adjacent to a jail and at the entrance to a thriving urban community, with themes such as transformation, rejuvenation, or passage. Approximately $200,000 USD is available for this commission, inclusive of all expenses including design, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any required site modifications. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work done on City property.

Applicants should submit eight digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. One to five semi-finalists will be selected for interviews with the selection panel. If a formal proposal is requested, the artist will receive a $1,000 honorarium to prepare and present the proposal in person. Single artists and multi-person collaborations are eligible to apply. All artists regardless of experience level are encouraged to apply. A pre-submission meeting will be held on October 5, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the public entrance to the County Jail (10500 E. Smith Road, Denver, Colorado).