Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) Education Center Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork for the Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) Education Center in the Montbello neighborhood of Denver, CO. The budget for this commission is approximately USD $22,000.00, which includes all costs associated with the project including the artist's design fee, consultation fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and documentation. Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the state of Colorado.

The selection panel has identified a potential site for public art at the ELK building entrance, above the front door, visible from multiple vantage points including the street and parking lot. Artworks should acknowledge the land and reflect the rich cultures of the area, be interactive and educational, and celebrate coming together in open spaces. The artwork should speak to relationships between insects, plant life, animals and humans. Artists applying should have a strong background in community engagement, particularly with youth. Artworks could be created using diverse media including reliefs, sound elements, and sculpture applications. Materials should be harmonious with those found in the Open Space Park, with durability and ease of maintenance being important considerations.

Applicants must submit six digital images of past work, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. The selection panel will choose three to five finalists who will create site-specific proposals and be interviewed in person or virtually. Finalists will be paid an honorarium for this work. The deadline for entry is Monday, March 13, 2023, 11:59 p.m. MST. Finalist selection is expected in April 2023, with selected artist or artist team notification in May 2023.