Iowa Avenue Underpass Public Art Project

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team for a site-specific artwork at the soon-to-be renovated Iowa Avenue underpass between S. Acoma Street and S. Santa Fe Drive in the Overland Neighborhood. The recommended location for the artwork is along the retaining wall for a new ADA-compliant, multi-use path connecting Broadway Boulevard and adjacent communities to the Overland Park Golf Course and the South Platte River trail system. The goal is to create a warm, safe and welcoming experience for users of the pedestrian/bicycle path through imagery and prose. The selection committee highly recommends that the artist or artist team collaborate with a writer for original content, which may include poetry.

Eligibility is open to artists who currently live and work in the State of Colorado. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. The selection panel is interested in artists who can demonstrate an understanding of the area's residents, history and surrounding neighborhoods. Emerging artists and artists working in media that is pedestrian-scaled and suitable for outdoor display are especially encouraged to apply. Artwork must be two-dimensional in all media, durable and able to withstand human touch, and meet all ADA regulations. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, as projects will be exposed to weather, physical stresses, and potential vandalism.

The commission amount is $35,000 USD, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, and contingency. Applicants must submit six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest in the project (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. Up to five finalists will be selected to create site-specific proposals and participate in an interview with the selection panel. Finalists will receive an honorarium for this work and will be required to submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form. The selected artist or artist team will collaborate with Public Art Program staff and the Iowa Underpass design and construction team when finalizing designs for installation. Entry deadline: Monday, April 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MST.