Denver Botanic Gardens Freyer-Newman Center Public Art Commission

Denver Arts & Venues Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original work of art for the future Freyer-Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens, located at the corner of York Street and 11th Avenue in Denver, Colorado. The selection panel has recommended a site-specific artwork to be integrated into the exterior plaza of the Freyer-Newman Center. The commission amount is $300,000 USD.

The selection panel is looking for artworks that create a distinct connection to the natural world and demonstrate the connection between the micro and macro, as well as honor human relationships to the natural environment. Artworks should enhance the experience of those that use and enjoy the Freyer-Newman Center and could engage multiple senses, harnessing tactile and auditory components. The panel is open to artwork in all media and materials suitable for outdoor display. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, with projects fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Artist proposals will be reviewed by the City of Denver's Public Art Committee to ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as ADA standards.

This project is open to artists who currently live and work in the United States. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Applicants must submit six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters via www.callforentry.org. Between three and five semifinalists will be selected to create site-specific proposals and participate in an interview with the panel. Semifinalists will receive an honorarium for this work. The final selected artist or artist team will collaborate with Public Art Program staff and the Freyer-Newman Center design team when finalizing designs for installation. The $300,000 budget is inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any other project-related expenses. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work done on city property.