Theodora Family Hotel Public Art Commission

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for the Theodora Family Hotel in Denver, CO. The selection panel has identified two sites for public art on the façade of the building that faces Colfax Avenue. The allocated total budget is approximately $245,000.00 USD. Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States.

The Theodora Family Hotel, developed by Volunteers of America Colorado, will be located in the West Colfax neighborhood and will create a safe and supportive space for families, veterans, and community elders. The building is designed through a trauma-informed lens and will offer 60 individual family suites, a community gathering space, case management, and educational courses. The project is backed by RISE Denver, a voter-approved $38.6 million bond program.

Artwork goals include inviting reflections of hope, growth, joy, and understanding; engaging and sharing stories of families experiencing homelessness while providing dignity; celebrating and being inclusive to all family structures with emphasis on children; and considering biophilic and trauma-informed design strategies. The panel is especially interested in artists with lived experience with homelessness or meaningful work with communities experiencing homelessness, as well as artists with connections to the West Colfax neighborhood. Artworks could be created using diverse media including reliefs and mosaic artworks, with special interest in lighting for safety and dignity. Durability and ease of maintenance are important considerations. Selected artists or artist teams will have the opportunity to receive resiliency training before and after the project.

Applicants must submit seven digital images of past work, a résumé, and a statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters) via CallForEntry.org. The selection panel will choose three to five finalists who will create site-specific proposals and be interviewed in person or virtually. Finalists will be paid an honorarium for this work and will be required to submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form. A virtual pre-application meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. MST, with a recording available afterward.