Public Art Acquisition - Otero Junior College Life Sciences Building

Colorado Creative Industries seeks to acquire public art through direct purchase of existing artwork for Otero Junior College's Life Sciences Building in La Junta, Colorado, in conjunction with the recent upgrade to their Nursing and Science facilities. The total funding available for this artwork is $14,730, which covers all costs including the artwork, transportation, installation, plaque and documentation. Otero Junior College is looking at the possibility of acquiring more than one artwork, and works under and up to the budget will be considered.

The college is seeking either a 3D sculptural artwork for the exterior of the Life Sciences Building (any durable and sustainable medium; the budget must account for foundation and/or base; located at a prominent exterior location at one of the main entrances functioning as a hub/plaza between campus buildings) or one or more 2D works for the interior Life Sciences Building in the central student lounge area (walls are 4'6" wide, so artworks must be smaller than those dimensions). Artists may submit work for either or both locations. The panel will consider artist location with preference given to local and regional artists from La Junta or surrounding areas, thematic focus on Southeastern Colorado or nursing/medical sciences, artistic excellence, technical competence, suitability to site, scale, material, form, content, structural integrity, accessibility, weather resistance if applicable, and ease of maintenance.

Eligibility is limited to artists living in Colorado, with strong preference given to artists living in Southeastern Colorado. A Public Art Acquisition Committee will review images and application materials and make recommendations to Colorado Creative Industries and Otero Junior College. Artists will be notified of the committee's decision by September 2015. The committee may arrange site visits to see artwork before final selection. Final selection and purchase require approval from Otero Junior College and Colorado Creative Industries' Council. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ with digital images (1-8 total images for up to three artworks), resume, statement of interest (250 words or less), and responses to specified questions. There is no application fee.