Denver City Wire

Denver Arts & Venues Requests Qualifications three new Public Art Projects

commissions are open to Colorado artists

Denver Arts & Venues is now accepting qualifications for three new Denver Public Art projects at the newly renovated Behavioral Health Solutions Center, the Rocky Mountain Lake Park and the Sand Creek Trail.

“Artwork can serve a variety of functions. Not only can artwork beautify a space, but it can also serve to brighten an experience for those who engage with it,” said Ginger White, Denver Arts & Venues executive director. “These new Denver Public Art commissions will create a sense of place and belonging, as well as spaces for connection, and encourage respite, rest and reflection.”

Behavioral Health Solutions Center: Budget - $60,000, Open to Colorado Artists and Artist Teams

The newly renovated Behavioral Health Solutions Center is situated within the Sun Valley neighborhood, and administered by WellPower. The facility provides specialized support and brief respite to Denver residents experiencing a range of mental health crises. Artwork should invite reflections of tranquility, peace, joy and comfort. Artists are encouraged to consider biophilic and trauma-informed design strategies that support mental health through color, pattern and subject matter. Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities. Trauma-informed design is the practice of combining trauma-informed care with the design process. The Denver Public Art selection panel is especially interested in inviting artists to apply who have relationships or lived experience with mental and behavioral health topics. Interested artists may submit qualifications at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11768 through Aug. 14. 

Rocky Mountain Lake Park: Budget - $18,000, Open to Colorado Artists and Artist Teams

Named for its central feature, Rocky Mountain Lake, this park is a hub of community activity while also providing a space for respite and calm to neighbors and visitors. The Denver Public Art selection panel is invested in cultural diversity and local history and aspires to create a gathering space that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming. The artwork should enhance the natural beauty of the park and convey nature themes and whimsical motifs. Works that are engaging and help to tell the stories of the area are encouraged. The Denver Public Art selection panel is interested in inviting artists to apply who are new to public artwork and the public art process, particularly those who hope to shift toward sculptural work. Interested artists may submit qualifications at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11769 through Aug. 14. 

Sand Creek Trail: Budget - $60,000, Open to Colorado Artists and Artist Teams

The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a 13.5-mile regional trail that spans the cities of Aurora, Denver and Commerce City, as well as Adams and Arapahoe counties. Artwork should celebrate cultural diversity and richness, local history, and stories of the land. Artwork should embrace the powerful connections between wildlife, plant life and humans. The new Denver Public Art commission should be inclusive and accessible, and enjoyed in multiple ways by engaging senses like touch, sound and sight to captivate people of all ages and abilities. Artwork should be approachable and fun and serve as a destination where trail users can gather. Interested artists may submit qualifications at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11770 through Aug. 14. 

Denver Public Art is also hosting a virtual pre-application meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for interested applicants. The meeting will cover project backgrounds and goals, and the application process for these Requests for Qualifications. Attendees will also get information on CallForEntry.org through which artists may apply. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Interested applicants are asked to register on Eventbrite to get information on how to join prior to the event.

More information on these and other Denver Public Art calls is available at www.DenverPublicArt.org/For-Artists/#opportunities.  

Original source can be found here