Skate Park Graffiti Mural

The city of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission an original public art graffiti-style mural for the newly constructed skate park at Thornton Community Park, located next to the Community Center. The mural will be approximately 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide. This project is part of the council-approved, 5-year public art plan assigned to Ward 1.

The mural should have a strong visual impact, engage visitors (specifically youth), and push Thornton into a contemporary setting. Artists are challenged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and interdisciplinary practices. The design should include dynamic style elements and visual cues that speak to the community and add beauty to inspire creativity and local pride. Successful proposals will demonstrate cohesive and forward-thinking design, dynamic use of color and composition, experience with large-scale design, understanding of audience engagement, and knowledge of durable outdoor public art materials and requirements.

The project budget is $11,500, inclusive of artist's fee, materials, fabrication, execution, equipment rentals, licenses, permits, and insurance. 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 includes portfolio review, semifinalist deliberation, design presentations, final deliberation, and city council approval. Semifinalists will receive an honorarium to create site-specific proposals. The design must be family-friendly, cannot contain business promotions or advertisements, and cannot include intellectual property breaches or depictions of illegal activities.