Sloan's Lake Park South Playground 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 the Sloan's Lake Park South Playground improvements in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood of Denver, CO. An 11-member selection panel of community representatives, arts and design professionals and civic leaders has been assembled to identify art opportunities and select an artist or artist team for this project. The selection panel has identified multiple outdoor locations near the South Playground for potential artworks and will select one artist or artist team for the allocated total budget of approximately $28,000.00 USD.

Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the state of Colorado. The panel is interested in work that addresses the park's family-friendly culture and reflects the neighborhood's rich history. The panel hopes to see artwork that is culturally relevant and speaks to critical conversations regarding equity, access and inclusion. Artwork could have an interactive component that engages audiences both day and night. The panel encourages artists to consider accessibility opportunities for visitors and residents who are blind or low vision, and welcomes applications from artists who exemplify the collaborative spirit of the public art process. Potential sites include the southwest entrance to the South Playground, an anticipated rain garden near the north entrance, and the ceiling of the shade structure. Artworks could be created using diverse media including paint, reliefs, sculpture and mosaic applications. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, durability, and low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor display.

Applicants must submit six digital images of past work, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via www.callforentry.org. The deadline is Monday, November 21, 2022, 11:59 pm MST. Three to five finalists will be selected to create site-specific proposals and be interviewed in person or virtually. Finalists will receive an honorarium for this work. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for a site visit and to meet with the art selection panel and public art staff. The budget of $28,000.00 USD is inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any other project-related costs. Prevailing wage requirements will apply for all work performed on city property.