RFQ: MSU Denver Day Health Institute Tower Public Art Commission

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is seeking artists to create commissioned public artworks for the new Day Health Institute Tower on the Auraria Higher Education Center campus in downtown Denver. The Day Health Institute supports the university's mission to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals with a whole-person approach to health care and diversity and health equity.

Two separate commissions are available: an exterior location with a $200,000 budget for single or multiple sculptures to anchor the corner of the building at the main entrance, and an interior location with a $120,000 budget for artwork in a grand stairwell between the first and second floors. The exterior artwork should establish a sense of place and purpose, fostering wellness and welcome. The interior artwork should balance storytelling of the area's past, present, and future with a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, and may include wall-mounted or ceiling-hung pieces with optional small activations on adjacent floors. The selection committee will consider artistic excellence, scale, material, form and content, appropriate relationship to site function, resistance to wear and vandalism, and ease of maintenance.

Applicants must submit 6-8 digital images of previously completed artworks, a current résumé, and a statement of interest of 250 words or less via the CaFÉ system. The deadline for submission is November 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Semifinalists will be invited to present final proposals in person in February 2026 and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. All project costs including artist fee, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and documentation are covered by the budget. Eligibility is limited to Colorado residents.