Denver Art Museum and Denver Central Public Library Campus Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create original public artworks for the Denver Art Museum and Denver Central Public Library Campus, located in the heart of Denver in the Golden Triangle Creative District. A selection panel of community representatives, arts professionals, and civic leaders has identified at least three exterior sites for potential art opportunities and will select one artist or artist team for an allocated total budget of approximately $600,000 USD.

The selection panel is looking to commission artworks that will serve as beacons or gateways for the community and draw visitors to the campus. Artworks should enhance the experience of campus users and could engage multiple senses through tactile, light, and auditory components. Works that are innovative, inspiring, and help connect the campus are desired. As most ground space must remain open for public activity, works utilizing vertical, overhead, or other space-conserving strategies are encouraged. The panel is open to artwork in all media and materials suitable for outdoor display, but is not looking for two-dimensional artworks. Artists should be mindful of the campus's functionality, programs, users, and neighborhood context, and adhere to the missions of both institutions as destinations for art, education, and community.

All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance of public art. Projects will be exposed to weather, physical stresses, and potential vandalism, so public art should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator. This project is open to artists internationally. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Applicants will submit six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 3,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. The selection panel will choose three to five finalists who will create site-specific proposals and participate in virtual interviews. Finalists will receive an honorarium. Selected finalists must submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form. The selected artist or artist team will work with Public Art Program staff and the Denver Art Museum and Denver Central Library design and executive teams to finalize designs for installation.