National Western Center Riverfront Public Art Project

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create a signature work of art for the Riverfront Open Space along the South Platte River at the National Western Center Campus in Denver, CO. The improved riverfront site boundaries are between the future Bettie Cram Bridge to the south and the 51st Avenue Bridge to the north. The selection panel has recommended a sculptural or architecturally-integrated artwork responsive to the site. The commission amount is approximately $400,000.00 USD.

The National Western Center is a reimagined campus that will be a vibrant, dynamic and accessible educational and entertainment environment celebrating Colorado's western heritage and addressing global issues about food and water. The half-mile stretch of the South Platte River that defines the western border of the campus will be restored to an amenity for surrounding neighborhoods through recreation, education, cultural gatherings and celebrations, including pedestrian and bicycle trails, dynamic public art, areas for small performances, picnic areas, and educational and play experiences.

Works that demonstrate an authentic connection between people and the river and tell the story of the place—historically, agriculturally, socially and ecologically—are encouraged. Important themes include community and ethnic history of the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods, the natural world and river ecosystem, food and water, and connections between past, present and future. The selection panel is open to artwork in materials suitable for permanent outdoor display. All applicants must consider long-term conservation, maintenance, durability, and ADA standards. This project is open to artists currently living and working in the United States. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Submissions require six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest 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 interviews with the panel; finalists will receive an honorarium.