Fire Station 2 Public Art Commission

The Boulder Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original, three-dimensional outdoor artwork for the Fire Station 2 campus in Boulder, Colorado. The artwork will be sited at a highly visible intersection on the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Broadway Avenue, serving as a gateway to the city and a landmark for residents and visitors. The commission amount is approximately $225,000 USD.

Fire Station 2, located on the corner of Baseline and Broadway, serves the University of Colorado Boulder and University Hill area. The station is being redeveloped to provide modernized emergency services and support the City of Boulder's goals for sustainability, equity, and long-term resilience. The selection panel seeks an iconic sculptural artwork that functions as a visually striking gateway while honoring the values, history, and landscape of Boulder. The work will be sited outdoors at a key corner of the property visible to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers and should be appreciable from a distance. Artists are encouraged to explore themes including the natural environment and sustainability, the uniqueness of Boulder, the relationship between wilderness and the built environment, protection and preservation of civic space, and Boulder's history of public service and environmental stewardship. The artwork should not invite physical interaction or encourage public gathering on fire station property, should not include sound elements, and may incorporate minimal lighting if it does not negatively impact adjacent firefighter housing.

Applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, as the artwork will be exposed to Colorado climate and potential vandalism. Work should be fabricated of durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance materials. This is a national call open to all artists and artist teams residing in the United States. Individual artists and collaborative teams may apply. Applicants should submit four digital images of previously completed work, an optional video file, a résumé (1–2 pages; 1–2 pages per team member if a team), and a Statement of Interest (max 2,000 characters) describing interest in the project, connection to themes, and experience working in public art and with diverse communities. Three finalists will be selected and each will receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop a site-specific proposal and participate in a virtual interview. One artist or team will be selected for final approval by the Boulder Arts Commission and City Manager. Installation is expected in 2027, dependent on overall construction schedule.