Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for Verbena Park in the East Colfax neighborhood of Denver. The goal of the project is to commission artwork that enhances the park, celebrates the neighborhood’s rich, international history, as well as invites visitors to gather and relax in the outdoor environment. 

  
**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 communities that use Verbena Park.

  
**Goals:** 

* Artworks should reflect positivity, the park's family-friendly culture and use as a gathering space, along with the neighborhood's rich, international history.
* The panel hopes to see artwork(s) that are culturally relevant and speak to critical conversations of the moment with respect to equity, access, and inclusion.
* Artists are encouraged to consider experiential, interactive, or functional elements for the artwork(s), and specifically encouraged to consider shade and seating.
* The panel welcomes applicants who exemplify the collaborative spirit of the public art process, and are open to working with community stakeholders, the selection panel, and city staff.

  
**Artwork Site** 

The panel has identified multiple areas as potential sites for public art, near the playground or along the surrounding walking path. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for a site visit and will be able to meet with the art selection panel as well as public art staff to ask specific questions about potential sites.

  
**Media & Materials** 

The panel is looking for artists who work in mediums suitable for outdoor display. Artworks could be created using diverse media including, but not limited to, mosaics, reliefs, sculpture, etc. Durability and ease of maintenance are also important at these locations. 

The budget for this commission is approximately **$54,500.00 USD** which will be allocated to the artist/team selected. This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: the artist’s design fee, other consultation fees such as structural engineering, insurance (including Colorado Workers Compensation), tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, contingency to cover unexpected expenses, and any other costs. For all work performed on city property, prevailing wage requirements will be applied.

  
Exhibition in Verbena Park.

Public Art Project: Verbena Park

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create an original mural, or series of murals, for the 44th Avenue Bridge project located approximately at 44th Avenue and Broadway, Denver, CO 80216\. The goal of the project is to commission artwork that enhances the staircase and bridge and that is created with engagement from the community. In particular, the artwork should highlight the past, present and future of the neighborhood and area.

The commission amount for an artist or artist team is $45,000.00 USD.

  
**About the 44th Avenue & Broadway Project**

The City and County of Denver is working to address essential missing links in its sidewalk network to help people get where they want to go more safely and easily. With the help of Elevate Denver Bond funding, a critical gap has been addressed in Globeville. A new pedestrian stairway and accessible ramp at 44th Avenue and Broadway now provides a safe connection to the 44th Avenue bridge that spans Interstate 25.

  
**Artwork Site:**

The walls of the new staircase and ramp provide a large, blank canvas suited for a mural or series of murals. There is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of exposed concrete wall that could be activated with art. 

  
**Media & Materials:**

The selection panel is open to two-dimensional artwork in **all media, materials and formats** **that are suitable for outdoor display**.

  
**Timeline**

(Except for the online application deadline, the timeline is subject to adjustments)

* July/August 2025: Finalist Selection
* September/October 2025: Artist Selection and Notification

  

**Artwork** displayed in Denver.

  
The **budget** for this commission is $45,000.00 USD which will be allocated to the artist/team selected.This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the art project including, but not limited to: the artist’s design fee, other consultation fees such as structural engineering consultation, insurance (including Colorado Workers Compensation), tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, contingency to cover unexpected expenses and any other associated costs. For all work done on city property, prevailing wage requirements will be applied.

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