May Bonfils Stanton Theatre at Loretto Heights Public Art Project

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create an original suspended artwork for the lobby of the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre at Loretto Heights in Denver, Colorado. The total budget for this commission is approximately $550,000, which may be awarded to a single artist/team or divided among multiple artworks, depending on the panel's final recommendations. This opportunity is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States.

The May Bonfils Stanton Theatre, opened in 1963, is a historically significant mid-century modern theatre originally designed by Denver architect G. Meredith Musick. Located on the historic Loretto Heights campus in Harvey Park South, the theatre served as an instrumental part of one of the nation's leading undergraduate theatre programs. After years of closure, Denver voters approved bond funds in 2021 for the City to purchase, rehabilitate, and return the theatre to public use as a professional performance space for southwest Denver.

The commissioned artwork will be a suspended installation prominently displayed within the theatre's main lobby and visible through the glass façade, creating a dynamic visual experience from both inside and outside the building. Integrated lighting will be an essential component, enhancing visibility throughout the day and night. The selection panel seeks artwork that honors the rich history of the Loretto Heights campus, establishes a visual link to the Harvey Park South neighborhood, and reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of southwest Denver. Artists may use various media including sculptural forms, suspended installations, integrated lighting, and mixed media. All materials must be suitable for long-term public display and capable of enduring Denver's variable climate conditions.