Southeast Community Center Project

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, APP Program is seeking an artist or artist team to collaborate with the project team to identify potential locations for art and develop opportunities to integrate art into the Southeast Community Center (SECC) Project. This collaborative process will guide the locations and opportunities for artwork that complements the overall facility vision and goals. The project may include multiple artists and artworks within the overall scope and art budget.

The SECC will be a landmark project in Fort Collins focused on innovation, technology, art, recreation, and the creative process. The community center will feature multi-use spaces for recreation, fitness, creativity, innovation, intergenerational programs, a state-of-the-art public library, and both indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities. The design is grounded in the concept of "The Commons"—a central connector that unifies library services and recreation through shared values of community, innovation, gathering, and discovery. The facility is a collaborative partnership between the City of Fort Collins, Poudre School District, and Poudre Libraries, built on 10 acres adjacent to Fossil Ridge High School and north of Twin Silo Community Park. Planning and design work will continue through mid-2026, with construction estimated to begin in mid-to-late 2026 and anticipated completion in 2028.

Eligibility: Artists or artist teams must be at least 18 years old, legally residing in and authorized to work in the United States, and able to work effectively and collaboratively with the project team. Experience working collaboratively on budgets larger than $100,000 is required. All media appropriate to the project will be considered. The work is intended to be a permanent addition and must consider long-term conservation, maintenance, timeline, budget, and public location factors including exposure to elements and potential vandalism.

The artist will sign a design contract and work with the project team to identify locations, develop integrated site-specific art concepts, and create detailed proposals, budgets, and timelines. Final approval is required from the APP Board and Fort Collins City Council. The total art budget is approximately $600,000 and could include contracts with multiple artists. The contract amount covers all consulting fees, design, execution, transportation, site preparation, installation, project plaque, and travel expenses.

Application deadline: August 4, 2025, 11:59 p.m. MDT. Submit six digital images of relevant work completed within the past five years, a letter of intent describing your interest and past experience integrating artwork into project design, a current resume (max. 2 pages), and three professional references with contact information. Image details must include artist name, title, media, dimensions, location, date, cost, and artwork description.