High Line Canal Trail Public Art Commission

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for the High Line Canal Trail in the University Hills neighborhood of Denver. The commission amount is approximately $112,000.00 USD, open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States. The deadline for entry is Monday, September 1, 2025, 11:59 pm MST.

The selection panel seeks artwork that activates the trail, celebrates the neighborhood's history and future, and engages users with a sense of motion and connectivity. The panel is interested in culturally relevant work that balances the unique past, present and future of the physical space, including indigenous history and the 19th century construction of the Canal. Artists are encouraged to consider experiential, interactive, or functional elements, specifically kinetic aspects that convey motion. Colorful artworks that evoke happiness and joy and emphasize safety and welcome are preferred. Multi-piece artworks that repeat along the trail are of particular interest. The panel welcomes collaborative artists open to working with community stakeholders and encourages consideration of accessibility for different human abilities.

Artwork will be located along miles 37-41 of the HLC trail, including areas within Eisenhower Park and Bible Park. The panel is looking for artists who work in mediums suitable for outdoor display with durability and ease of maintenance. This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection and must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. The $112,000.00 budget is inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any other project-related expenses. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work performed on city property. Three to five finalists will be selected and receive an honorarium to prepare proposals. Selected finalists will have a site visit and opportunity to meet with the art selection panel, technical experts, and public art staff. A virtual pre-application meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, at 5 p.m. (MST) via Zoom.