Colorado Center Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Public Art Commission

The City of Denver seeks an artist or artist team to create artwork for the Colorado Center Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge, a new pedestrian and bike bridge crossing Interstate I-25 at South Bellaire Street and East Jewell Avenue. The bridge will connect the north side neighborhoods (apartment buildings, townhomes, and senior care centers) to the Colorado Center RTD Light Rail Station and surrounding properties on the south side. Project construction begins in spring 2012 with completion in winter 2013.

The selection panel welcomes two- or three-dimensional artworks suited to the bridge and its approaches. Art opportunities include: MSE walls on the ramps (approximately 17 feet above grade); rails and fence portions ranging from 4-10 feet high over and around Interstate I-25, with integration welcomed on lower fence portions; and concrete deck/corner areas near Cherry Street suitable for three-dimensional work. Due to high volume of traffic and exposure to weather and elements, artwork must be durable and relatively maintenance-free.

The project budget is approximately $75,000 (all-inclusive), covering design fees, consultation, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, and all other project costs. Applicants must submit eight digital images of previously completed artworks, a statement of interest (maximum 2,000 characters), and a one- to two-page résumé via the CaFÉ online system. Up to five artists or artist teams will be selected as semi-finalists and invited for interviews or to prepare proposals; semi-finalists receive a $1,000 honorarium. The final selection will be presented to the Public Art Subcommittee, Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, and Mayor for approval. Artists working in any media are eligible to apply. The selected artist(s) must enter into a contract with the City and County of Denver, obtain required insurance, and follow prevailing wage requirements.