Public Art Commission: New Active Adult Center

The City of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission large-scale, original public art for the new Active Adult Center, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2020. The facility will be located northeast of the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center at 11151 Colorado Boulevard, 80233. The new center will provide amenities to senior residents and will include a fitness center, kitchen, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, and art spaces. This is an opportunity to create large-scale public art that will have a positive visual impact and welcome visitors to the facility. Artists are encouraged to create work that speaks to the building's intergenerational connections and focus on health and wellness. The designated outdoor area allows for a large outdoor piece, and applicants may also incorporate optional suspended indoor work in large common areas.

Successful proposals should demonstrate a unique and creative interpretation of the space with cohesive designs, dynamic use of color and composition, interdisciplinary practice with innovative materials and technology, and experience in large-scale fabrication and installation. Artists should demonstrate a holistic approach to place-making, strong understanding of contemporary art's positive effect on public space, understanding of specialized needs for durable public art, and knowledge of Thornton's unique character. Preference will be given to those with proven history of fabricating and installing large-scale public work.

The project budget is $84,000, inclusive of artist fees and all project costs associated with fabrication, transportation, shipping, installation, insurance, and other expenses. This nationwide call is open to all artists, design teams, and architectural firms age 18 and over. City of Thornton employees are not eligible. The submission deadline is May 3, 2020. The review and selection process will occur May–June, with award and installation July–December, and a final project deadline of December 31, 2020. The awarded artist will need to coordinate installation around operational hours, with after-hours installation as a possible option. Artwork must withstand temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, use durable and lightweight materials, be family-friendly, and cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities.