West Denver Library Public Art Commission

The City and County of Denver is seeking an artist or team of artists to create public artwork for the new West Denver Branch Library, currently in schematic design phase. The library is being designed by Studiotrope Design Collective with key concepts including creating a building that unites and celebrates the West Denver community, establishing a gateway that bridges past to future, offering thoughtful indoor-outdoor connectivity, providing safe gathering spaces, and encouraging interaction with the building environment.

Specific areas for possible public art integration include: the Pollination Lobby Zone (with potential for digital projection reflecting Colfax Avenue's historical lights and signage); the 2nd floor courtyard or double-height space with natural light and possible suspended work; the Children's Viewing Yard (exterior area visible from Children's Area windows); and the Children's Area as an interactive experience. The selection panel seeks artwork appropriate for a library serving a diverse community of all ages, with durability and easy maintenance required. There is a desire to incorporate the local community through dialogue or collaborative creation.

The budget for this commission is approximately $93,000, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, per diem, project documentation, and contingency. A selection panel of at least seven individuals will review submissions and short-list up to five artists or artist teams as semi-finalists for interviews. The final recommendation will be presented to the Public Art Subcommittee, Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, and the Mayor for approval, which may take up to four weeks. Selected artists must enter into a contract with the City and County of Denver and obtain required insurance.

Applicants must submit eight digital images of previously completed artworks, a statement of interest (maximum 2,000 characters), and a one- to two-page résumé via the CaFÉ online application system. Artists submitting kinetic, sound, or media works must also submit a DVD of no more than five minutes to the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. There is no application fee. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaboration.