Montbello Central Park Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission artists and artist teams to design original artworks for the shade structure ceiling in Montbello Central Park. Selected artists or artist teams will be responsible for design only. The fabrication and installation of the panels will be provided by a separate project vendor. The commission amount for designing original artworks is $50,000 USD per artist or artist team.

Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States. Applicants must submit 6-8 images and up to 1 video. Successful artists or artist teams must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, be responsive, flexible, and work under a quick timeline. The panel strongly encourages emerging, studio, and 2D artists who have a connection to the Montbello neighborhood to apply.

Artwork goals include being colorful and engaging, celebrating and being inclusive to all park visitors and families, and amplifying the stories of the area while accurately reflecting the community's heritage and narratives. Artists should possess excellent group facilitation skills and be enthusiastic about working with nearby community members, particularly elders and youth, to finalize their designs. Selected designs will be etched, cut, or printed onto metal panels. Designs may be created using any two-dimensional medium, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, graphic design and typography. Three-dimensional artworks are not being sought. Final designs must be provided digitally in the format and resolution acceptable to the fabricator. This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection and must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. The budget of $50,000 is inclusive of all costs associated with producing site-specific designs, including the artist's design fee, consultation fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, and contingency expenses. Prevailing wage requirements will be applied for all work performed on city property. Application deadline: Monday, November 3, 2025, 11:59 P.M. MST. Finalists will be notified on Friday, November 21st, 2025.