Colorado Mesa University, Escalante Hall: Public Art Acquisition

Colorado Creative Industries seeks to acquire public art through direct purchase of existing artwork for Colorado Mesa University's Escalante Hall. The total funding available is $85,313, with individual artworks considered up to $25,000. Multiple artworks from multiple artists will be acquired.

Escalante Hall is a three-story, 76,000-square-foot building completed in 2014 that houses CMU's Department of Languages, Literature and Mass Communication. Due to the building's design and limited floor space, 2D works are the main format considered. Works may be sculptural if wall-mounted and do not protrude more than 4 inches. The Selection Committee will consider artworks of all media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, and fabric. Various wall sizes are available: large main stairwell walls can accommodate artwork up to 18' x 18', smaller wall spaces in lounges and hallways range from 5'x5' to 5'x15', and lobby walls can accommodate artwork up to 6' x 25'. Limited opportunities for 3D artworks and sculpture are available in exterior and interior spaces; listed prices for 3D works should include all installation costs and display elements.

Eligibility is restricted to artists based in Colorado or Utah. Applicants must submit 1-3 digital images of available artwork (up to 3 artworks total, maximum 9 images), a current résumé, and a statement of interest of 250 words or less via the CaFÉ system. There is no application fee. The Selection Committee will consider artistic excellence, technical competence, conceptual compatibility, scale, material, form and content, and ease of maintenance. Current CMU faculty, staff, students, and alumni are encouraged to apply. All purchased artworks are owned by the State of Colorado via Colorado Mesa University.