Renewable Energy Project

The city of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission original public art. This project will commission 3D, site-specific work that will have a strong visual impact, engage visitors (specifically youth), complement the space-themed park, and push Thornton into a contemporary setting. Artists will be challenged to present work that utilizes some form of renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) that activates the piece and engages viewers. Artists are encouraged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and utilize interdisciplinary practices to meet the scope of the project in addition to unique and exciting use of technology.

The piece will be installed at a new park located at 88th Avenue and Santa Fe. The newly constructed park is outer space themed and includes solar system and atomic details along with a new playground. The working area is approximately 15 feet by 20 feet, with no height or weight restrictions. The surface is crushed granite fines, not concrete. Additional foundational needs will need to come out of the project budget. Two trees are planted on the north side of the location, behind the boulder seating, which may impact projects that propose solar energy.

The project budget is $35,000, which is inclusive of artist's fee, materials, fabrication and execution of work, equipment rentals, licenses, permits, and insurance. Work must be able to withstand wide fluctuations in temperature and direct sunlight, use durable materials requiring little or easy maintenance, and be family-friendly. The design cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities. This is a national call open to all artists, design teams, and architectural firms age 18 and over. Work samples should include 3-10 images and 0-5 videos (3-15 total samples minimum). The review process consists of five rounds: portfolio review, semifinalist deliberation, design presentations, final deliberation, and council recommendation and final approval.