Congress Park Pool & Playground Public Art Project

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team for site-specific artworks at the soon-to-be renovated Congress Park Pool & Playground, located at 850 Josephine St. The goals of the public art commission are to create an inspiring, joyful, safe, and welcoming experience for the users of the pool, playground, and park. Artist(s) should consider how the artwork will enhance the neighborhood culture, celebrate the public space, and improve the urban playground. The selection panel is open to the possibility of tactile, interactive, and kinetic artworks.

The Congress Park Swimming Pool, built in 1955, is one of the oldest outdoor pools in Denver. The rehabilitation includes the design and construction of a new, state-of-the-art swimming pool, bathhouse, and pump house with surrounding landscaping. The playground project aims to replace the existing playground with a more extensive new playground that meets the community's needs for play value, accessibility, and safety. Finalists are required to activate both sites and are encouraged to apply as teams. The artwork locations are: park space located between the main entrance of the swimming pool and playground, and the eastern pumphouse wall facing the pool, which can include painting or affixed elements that do not interfere with safety or pool use.

Eligibility: Artists currently residing in Colorado. Emerging artists and artists working in pedestrian-scaled media suitable for outdoor display are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Submission requirements: six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters via www.callforentry.org. Up to five finalists will be selected to create site-specific proposals and participate in virtual interviews; finalists will receive an honorarium. The selected artist or team will collaborate with Public Art Program staff and the design and construction team when finalizing designs for installation. Budget: $80,000 USD, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and contingency. Prevailing wage requirements apply for all work on city property. Timeline: Finalist selection January 2021; Artist selection and notification April 2021.