public art proposals: 56th avenue corridor

The City of Denver’s Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s), for the 56th Avenue Corridor in Denver, CO. A 13-member selection panel of community representatives, arts and design professionals, and civic leaders has been assembled to identify art opportunities and to select and recommend an artist or artist team for this project. The selection panel has identified a location for potential artworks for the allocated total budget of approximately $275,000.00 USD.

Project Area:

The project area covers 3.2 miles and encompasses three important developments in the history of Denver, including the former Stapleton International Airport, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and the Montbello neighborhood. Although each of these developments has a unique history, they are connected by their proximity to one another and to the 56th Avenue corridor.

Goals, Site, Media & Materials:

The selection panel members have set forth specific goals and parameters for this public art project with the hope of creating unique and inspiring works of art for the diverse communities that will enjoy the multi-use path along the northside of 56th Avenue:

Goals:

• Artwork should be dynamic and explore the concepts of motion and energy.
• Artwork should be engaging and help amplify the stories of the area. It is imperative that any artistic representation accurately reflect the community’s heritage and narratives, honoring its past and present contributions.
• Artworks should be captivating for all multi-use trail users, including pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
• Artists should possess excellent group facilitation skills and should be enthusiastic about working with nearby community members.
• The panel strongly encourages artists who have a connection to the Montbello neighborhood to apply.

Site:

The selection panel imagines activating spaces along the 3.2-mile stretch of 56th Avenue between Peoria Street and Peña Boulevard (See Figure 2) on the northside. However, it is critical that artwork support motorist safety, road and roadside functions, and corridor design standards. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for site visits and to meet with the art selection panel, Denver Public Art staff, and members of the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) to ask specific questions about the preferred sites.

Media & Materials:

Artworks should be created using diverse media, including sculptural applications. Any lighting or other electrical needs should be generated by wind or solar energy. Durability and ease of maintenance are important at this location. The selection panel is open to artwork in media and materials suitable for outdoor display.

Maintenance & Durability:

This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection. All applicants must consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with time and budget. These projects are in the public realm and will be exposed to physical stresses, as well as be subject to vandalism. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator prior to the submission of a final proposal. Artist proposals awarded contracts will be reviewed by the City of Denver’s Public Art Committee to ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. All finalists are expected to stay on budget and to complete work in an approved time frame.

Project Selection Panel:

According to Denver’s Public Art policy, the project selection panel plays an active role in the acquisition of public art for the City and County of Denver. The 56th Avenue Corridor selection panel is comprised of 13 voting members and additional non-voting advisors. The selection panel is responsible for reviewing the site, establishing criteria for a request for qualifications, reviewing applications, selecting and interviewing finalists, and finally for selecting an artist or artist team for the commission.

Selection Process:

1. Three to five artists/artist teams will be selected as finalists. Those selected will receive more specific information regarding the sites and have the opportunity to meet with community members from the selection panel, Denver Public Art Program staff, and the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI). The finalists will receive an honorarium to prepare a proposal and present it in person or virtually.
2. The selection panel will review the proposals, interview the finalists, and recommend an artist/artist team for the commission.
3. The final recommendation of the selection panel will be presented to the Public Art Committee, the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, and the mayor of Denver for final approval.