Westwood Park Public Art Project

The Denver Arts & Venues Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original, site-specific work of art for Westwood Park, located at 4951 W. Kentucky Ave in Denver's Westwood neighborhood. The budget is approximately $55,000 USD. This commission is open to Colorado artists only. A requirement of this project is engaging the community in the creative process through hands-on workshops for youth and residents. The artwork should enhance neighborhood culture, celebrate public space, and promote unity and diversity.

Westwood Park is the largest park in the Westwood neighborhood, which is one of the most culturally vibrant neighborhoods in the Denver Metro Area. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 80% Hispanic and 20% multi-cultural residents, with nearly half under the age of 18. Through community engagement, the theme of the park's design became the hummingbird, reflecting the amazing diversity of the Westwood neighborhood. The community has identified three potential locations for the artwork: the three park entrances, the shelter/gazebo, and the park plaza.

The selection panel seeks a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork appropriate for Westwood Park and its visitors. The artwork should reflect the park's design theme and integrate into the vision of Westwood Park as a place where kids and families can connect to nature. The artist should have an understanding of and respect for the cultural diversity and history of the Westwood neighborhood. The selection panel is open to two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional artwork in all media, materials and formats including interactive art, environmental art, eco-art, sound art and landscape art. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance, and public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials.

Applicants must submit six digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters via www.callforentry.org. The selection panel will choose up to five semifinalists for interviews. If a formal proposal is requested, artists will receive a $500 honorarium to prepare and present the proposal in person. The selected artist or artist team will collaborate with Public Art Program staff, The Trust For Public Land, and the Westwood Park design team when finalizing designs for installation.