Colorado Mental Health Institute Fort Logan Public Art Commission

Qualifications are requested from artists interested in creating site-specific public artworks for interior and/or exterior locations at the F Cottages at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan in Denver, Colorado. The budget for this opportunity is up to $120,000.

The Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan operates 94 inpatient psychiatric beds for adults with serious mental illness. This project will renovate two existing housing units (F2 and F3 cottages) and construct additions to the units. The renovated cottages will add 44 inpatient psychiatric beds to the facility's capacity. The estimated completion date of the renovation is December 2021. The Art Selection Committee would like to select an artist or artists in early 2020 to involve them in the design process. Selected artist(s) are required to participate in a minimum of two meetings, at least one during the Design Development Phase and one during the Construction Development Phase.

The committee is looking for artwork for both interior and exterior locations. The opportunity will be awarded to either a single artist or divided between multiple artists. The committee prefers artworks that work well with the building's architecture and feel timeless, with natural and organic materials or forms that create a softened sense of the environment. Artwork should be soothing and therapeutic in nature, creating a nurturing environment. Realistic artwork at realistic scale is preferred over abstract styles. The Selection Committee will consider artistic excellence, conceptual and thematic compatibility with the CMHIFL community, the artist's ability to collaborate, safety of materials, and resistance to wear, vandalism, or theft with minimal maintenance requirements.

Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org) by January 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Applicants must submit 6-8 digital images of previously completed artworks, a resume, and a statement of interest (up to 2,000 characters). There is no application fee. Semi-finalists will be notified in February 2020, with artist meetings and site visits in March 2020 and final selections in March/April 2020. All works of art commissioned are owned by the State of Colorado via the Colorado Department of Human Services. For more information, contact Ruth Bruno, Public Art Program Manager, at 303-892-3813 or [email protected].