Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create public artworks for the Robert "Bob" A. Ming Bridge (Ming Bridge) inside the Denver Botanic Gardens, located at 1085 York Street in Denver. The artwork should enhance the bridge, an indoor transitional space connecting the Boettcher Memorial Center and the Freyer–Newman Center. The commission amount is $40,000.00 USD.

The selection panel is seeking artists who work in mediums suitable for indoor walls and interior spaces, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, multimedia, and reliefs. Applicants must submit 6-8 images and up to 1 video (6-9 total samples). Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States. The deadline for entry via CallForEntry.org is January 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST. A virtual pre-application meeting will be held on December 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom.

The artwork should creatively celebrate the Gardens using biophilic design strategies that support wellbeing through color, pattern, and subject matter. The panel encourages art that is not directly representational and seeks work that evokes connectedness, belonging, hope, and optimism while inviting visitors to cross the bridge. The artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection and must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for long-term conservation. The $40,000 budget is inclusive of all costs including design fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any required site modifications. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work done on city property. Finalist selection is scheduled for February 2025, with artist selection and notification in March 2025. Selected finalists must be available to attend two meetings between February 4-21, 2025.