Denver Public Art Pre-Application Meeting: Two New Opportunities

Denver Public Art will host a virtual pre-application meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (MT) via Zoom for interested applicants. The meeting will cover project backgrounds and goals, selection process schedule, and the application process for two Requests for Qualification (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 cannot attend, a recording will be available on the Denver Arts & Venues YouTube channel.

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RFQ #1:

Public Art Project: 47th and Telluride Park

Budget: $90,000 USD

Eligibility: Artists or artist teams residing in the United States

DEADLINE: Monday, March 16th, 2026; 11:59 P.M. MST

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 pedestrian-scaled works of art for the diverse communities that will utilize 47th and Telluride Park.

Goals:

• Artworks should be colorful, fun, interactive and engaging.
• Artworks should celebrate and be inclusive to all park visitors and families.

• Artworks should help amplify the stories of the area in a culturally relevant way. It is imperative that any artistic representation accurately reflect the community’s heritage and narratives, honoring its past and present contributions.

• Artists should possess excellent group facilitation skills and be enthusiastic about working with nearby community members, particularly elders and youth, to finalize their designs. Artists will be expected to lead activities that encourage the public to take ownership of the work and protect it long-term.

The panel strongly encourages artists who have a connection to Denver to apply.

Site:

The panel requests that multiple sites be activated across the park within proximity to concrete pathways. A map and renderings of the space are provided at the end of the RFQ document (see Fig. 1-4). Finalists will have the opportunity to meet with the art selection panel as well as Denver Parks & Recreation staff, Denver Public Art staff, and other members of the project team to receive more specific information about the site and project.

Media & Materials:

Artworks could be created using diverse media, including but not limited to sculptural artworks, or free-standing mosaics and relief work. The selection panel is especially interested in artwork that utilizes Ambient Glow Technology (glow stones). Durability and ease of maintenance are important at these locations. The selection panel is open to artwork in media and materials suitable for outdoor display.

Read the full RFQ and submit your application through CaFE

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RFQ #2:

Public Art Project: 48th Avenue Center

Budget: Approximately $66,000.00 USD

Eligibility: Artists or Artist Teams residing in the United States

DEADLINE: Monday, March 16, 2025, 11:59 P.M. MST

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 peaceful works of art for the diverse communities that will interact with the 48th Avenue Shelter.

Goals:

• Artwork should be welcoming, comforting, colorful, and convey a sense of safety. The work should be empowering and inspire positive forward momentum.
• Artworks should engage and help share the stories of people experiencing homelessness and provide a sense of dignity to those seeking support. Collective storytelling and building confidence in participants are critical for a successful outcome. Artists chosen as finalists, may take advantage of the Denver Rescue Mission’s existing art class with residents.
• Artwork should also be culturally relevant. While residents will be the key audience, it is equally important that any artistic representation be sensitive to the neighborhood’s heritage and legacy.
• Artists are encouraged to consider trauma-informed design strategies that support mental health through color, pattern and subject matter. Trauma-informed design is the practice of combining trauma-informed care with the design process. Finalists will receive resources to support their proposal development.
• The panel is especially interested in inviting artists to apply who have lived experience with homelessness or have worked meaningfully with communities experiencing homelessness.
• The panel also welcomes artists who have a connection to the Park Hill neighborhood to apply.

Artwork Site

The panel has identified one site for public art on the façade of the building that welcomes residents. This site will require selected artists or artist teams to coordinate and communicate closely with city the Denver Rescue Mission operations staff. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for site visits and to meet with the art selection panel, Denver Public Art staff, and Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) members to ask specific questions about the preferred sites.

Media & Materials:

Artworks could be created using diverse media, including, but not limited to murals, relief work, or mosaic artworks. Durability and ease of maintenance are important at these locations. The selection panel is open to artwork in media and materials suitable for outdoor display.

Read the full RFQ and submit your application through CaFE

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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:

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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.