Westwood Recreation Center Public Art Commission

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for the future Westwood Recreation Center in Denver, CO, located at the intersection of Morrison Road and W. Walsh Place. The project budget is approximately $250,000 USD. Eligibility is open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States. The deadline is Monday, August 19, 2024, 11:59 P.M. MST.

The goal of the project is to celebrate and reflect the culture, people and ecosystem of the Westwood neighborhood and to enhance the experience for visitors of the recreation center. The selection panel seeks artwork(s) that speak to the uniqueness of the young, diverse, vibrant, artful culture of Westwood and celebrate the community's collaborative efforts. Artists should demonstrate an understanding of the community's sensitivities to displacement and gentrification, show interest in local involvement and community engagement, and prioritize listening and collaboration. A 13-member selection panel of community representatives, arts and design professionals, and civic leaders will select the artist or artist team.

Finalists will be asked to create outdoor public artwork(s) at the entryway of the future Westwood Recreation Center along the entrance off Morrison Road. The selection panel is open to artwork in all media and materials suitable for outdoor display. Durability and ease of maintenance are essential. Artists are encouraged to consider themes of recreation, quality of life, water, gathering, cultural vibrancy, and the benefits that a recreation center offers to a community. This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection and must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for the public realm.

Work sample requirements: 6 images (required), up to 1 video, for a total of 6-7 samples. Denver Public Art will host a hybrid information meeting on August 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Westwood Community Center (1000 South Lowell Boulevard, Denver, CO 80219) and online via Zoom. For more information, visit https://denverpublicart.org/for-artists/westwood-recreation-center-rfq/