Ruby Hill Park Public Art Commission

The City of Denver's Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for Ruby Hill Park in the Ruby Hill neighborhood of Denver, CO. An 11-member selection panel of community representatives, arts and design professionals, and civic leaders will select one artist or artist team for the allocated total budget of approximately $66,000.00 USD.

Ruby Hill is located in southwest Denver and represents a rich diversity of communities including Vietnamese, Haitian, Honduran, Ethiopian, Chicano, Mejicanos, Latinos, and Mexican Americans. The neighborhood is one of five in Denver with the highest population of immigrant families. Ruby Hill Park is the signature feature of the neighborhood and has undergone significant improvements including a Rail Yard, community garden, mountain bike park, and the Levitt Pavilion which hosts 50 free concerts annually. The final phase of improvements will include a splash pad, picnic areas, skate park, beginner's bike playground, and Community Gear Library.

The selection panel seeks artwork that acknowledges the land and reflects the rich cultures of the area. Artworks should be welcoming, interactive, and culturally responsible, celebrating coming together in green spaces. The panel is open to diverse media including reliefs, sound elements, sculpture, earthworks, mural and mosaic applications. Given the park's history, environmentally conscious materials that are upcycled and/or responsibly sourced are encouraged. Durability and ease of maintenance are important. Artists must have a strong background in community engagement and be prepared to coordinate closely with the design team and general contractor. Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in Colorado. Applicants must submit six digital images of past work, résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. Three to five finalists will be selected to create site-specific proposals and participate in interviews. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for site visits and to meet with the selection panel, Denver Public Art staff, the design team, and members of Denver Parks & Recreation and the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure.