Request for Proposals: 30 Pearl Public Art Phase I

Boulder Housing Partners is accepting proposals from artists or teams of artists for permanent art installations at the 30 Pearl mixed-use development at Boulder Junction in Boulder, Colorado. The "30 Pearl" community will consist of 285 homes (120 affordable) on a 4.6-acre site that is part of a 160-acre redevelopment area being transformed into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood with regional transit connections and public spaces. This is a unique opportunity for artists to develop site-specific two-dimensional work alongside architects and developers during the planning and development phase, rather than approaching an already built environment.

Boulder Housing Partners is seeking artists or teams to create original artwork for two main exterior building facade sites in phase one of development (Site A and Site D). Artists may apply for one or both sites but may only be selected for one site if applying for both. Site A is an exterior facade of Building 2B west (approximately 300 square feet, four-story elevation, proposed brick, facing west toward 30th street). Site D is an exterior facade of retaining walls on Building 2A East and 2B East (approximately 840 square feet combined, street level elevation, proposed brick or concrete, facing east at pedestrian level). These sites are not suitable for stand-alone sculptural work. An important theme for this project is "inclusivity." The artwork should evoke a sense of place-making, human engagement, and relationships to the built environment, with respect for diverse populations. The community emphasizes walkability and alternative modes of transport.

Budgets are $10,000-$25,000 for each site, all-inclusive for design, development, materials, fabrication, installation, insurance, and travel expenses. Submission requirements include an artist statement and bio (approximately 300 words), 3-7 artwork samples of related work with descriptions, a design proposal mock-up or sketch with written approach, indication of availability and proposed timeline, artist resume (limit 2 pages), proposed project budget with detailed breakdown, and an artwork maintenance plan. Applicants must be 18 years or older. All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel including an artist, arts professional, community member, architectural representative, Boulder Housing Partners representative, and City of Boulder Office of Arts & Culture representative. Up to 5 finalists will be chosen for secondary review. Selected artist(s) will be required to collaborate with project architects at Coburn Architecture, Boulder Housing project managers, And Art Space, and the City of Boulder planning board. Expected construction and installation of public art is 2019 to 2020.