RTD I-225 Rail Line 2nd and Abilene Station Public Art Commission

This is a public art commission for the 2nd and Abilene light rail station on the I-225 Rail Line in Aurora, CO. The artwork budget is $100,000 inclusive. The station is located at Abilene Street and East 2nd Avenue, with a travel time of 24 minutes from Union Station and 23 minutes from Denver Airport.

The preferred location for artwork is on a pedestrian bridge that links the station to the parking lot. The artwork should be either along the railing of the bridge or act as a gateway at the end of the bridge. This location has considerable historical significance in the local area and the artwork should reflect that. The artwork will be outside and exposed to the elements, so it must be able to withstand constantly changing weather conditions including wide temperature fluctuations and intense sunlight. Materials must be durable, resistant to graffiti and vandalism, and require little or no maintenance. Prior approval is needed for use of electricity. Artwork proposed for any location by the tracks must not violate clearance and safety regulations concerning overhead electrical wires or impede train operations. Artwork should not resemble official traffic or highway signs.

A small group of finalists will be selected by the I-225 Rail Line Art Selection Committee, made up of artists, arts professionals, and community members. Finalists will be selected based on their past work, will make a site visit and prepare a proposal, and will be interviewed by the committee. Applicants must submit 8 images of past work, two professional references, and a CV/Resume. Finalists will be notified June 29, 2015. Committee interviews and proposal reviews are scheduled for August 21, 2015. The final artist will be notified of selection August 24, 2015. Artwork installation is planned for late 2016.