May Bonfils Stanton Theatre at Loretto Heights Public Art RFQ -Info Session

Denver Public Art will host a virtual pre-application meeting on Thursday, November 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for interested applicants. The meeting will cover project background and goals, and the application process for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Attendees will also receive information on CallForEntry.org through which artists may apply. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Interested applicants are asked to register to get information on how to join prior to the event.

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

May Bonfils Stanton Theatre at Loretto Heights Public Art Project

Budget: Approximately $550,000.00

Eligibility: Open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States

DEADLINE: Monday, December 1, 2025, 11:59 P.M. MST

Introduction:

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create an original suspended artwork for the lobby of the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre at Loretto Heights in Denver, Colorado.

An eleven-member selection panel—comprising community representatives, arts and design professionals, and civic leaders—has been convened to identify art opportunities and to select and recommend an artist or artist team for this project.

The total budget for this commission is approximately USD $550,000, which may be awarded to a single artist/team or divided among multiple artworks, depending on the panel’s final recommendations.

Denver Public Art will host a virtual pre-application meeting on Thursday, November 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m., for interested applicants. The meeting will cover the project background and goals, as well as the application process for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). 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 to get information on how to join prior to the event. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be available on the Denver Arts & Venues Vimeo channel.

Goals:

The public artwork for the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre should be unique, inviting, and echo the cultural and architectural heritage of the Loretto Heights campus, while also addressing the needs and ambitions of the local community. The selection panel has outlined the following objectives:

• Honor the rich history of the Loretto Heights campus and the legacy of the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre as a hub for education, performance, and community engagement.
• Establish a visual link between the campus and the nearby Harvey Park South neighborhood, emphasizing the site’s role as a cultural landmark.
• Develop artworks that are bold and colorful, with a commanding presence both day and night, leveraging lighting creatively.
• Artwork should act as a welcoming symbol for all visitors, residents, and regional guests alike.
• Support cultural equity and accessibility, reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of southwest Denver.
• Foster artistic methods that promote inclusion, connection, and a sense of belonging among the neighborhood’s multigenerational and multicultural populations.

Site Opportunity: Suspended Artwork – Interior Atrium:

The selection panel has identified the interior atrium of the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre as the site for a suspended artwork. The artwork will be prominently displayed within the theatre’s main lobby and visible through the glass façade, creating a dynamic visual experience from both inside and outside the building. Integrated lighting will be an essential component of the artwork, enhancing its visibility and presence throughout the day and night.

The selected artist or artist team will collaborate closely with the project design team, including Perkins Eastman Architects, to ensure thoughtful integration with the building’s architecture, lighting systems, and structural requirements. Finalists will have the opportunity to review site conditions in detail and meet with the art selection panel, Denver Public Art staff, the theatre renovation team, and representatives from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI).

The total commission budget is approximately USD $500,000, to be awarded for this single suspended artwork.

Media and Materials:

Artworks may be created using various media, including sculptural forms, suspended installations, integrated lighting, and mixed media. Given the architectural and cultural significance of the May Bonfils Stanton Theater within the Loretto Heights campus, proposed artworks should be visually engaging and contextually appropriate. The selection panel is particularly interested in proposals that incorporate lighting to enhance nighttime visibility, strengthening the theatre’s presence for visitors and the broader community.

Maintenance and Durability: All proposed materials must be suitable for long-term public display and capable of enduring Denver’s variable climate and high-elevation conditions, whether installed indoors or outdoors. Because the commissioned artwork will become a permanent part of the Denver Public Art Collection, artists must prioritize durability, ease of maintenance, and conservation considerations in their designs. Selected materials should be highly durable, require minimal upkeep, and withstand environmental stresses and public interaction. Finalists are strongly encouraged to consult with professional conservators during proposal development.

Compliance: Selected artworks will undergo review by the City and County of Denver’s Public Art Committee to ensure adherence to city standards, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All projects must conform to the allocated budget and established project timeline.

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Learn more about these RFQs and other upcoming Denver Public Art opportunities at DenverPublicArt.org/For-Artists/#opportunities.

Submit your application for this project through CaFE: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15214

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For Interpretation Services: DAVLanguageAccess@denvergov.org

For Sign Language Interpreter or Cart Services: DAVLanguageAccess@denvergov.org

For Other Disability Accommodations: DisabilityAccess@Denvergov.org

Please contact us at least five business days before the event for any special needs.