Denver Public Art Pre-Application Meeting: Buchtel Boulevard

Learn more about an RFQ to create a public artwork for Buchtel Boulevard.

Denver Public Art is hosting a virtual pre-application meeting for interested applicants on Monday, March 9, at 5 p.m. (MST) via Zoom. The meeting will cover project background and goals, and the application process for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Attendees will also receive information via CallForEntry.org, through which artists may apply. Interested applicants are asked to register to receive 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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Public Art Project: City of Denver: Buchtel Boulevard

Budget: Approximately $120,000 USD

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

DEADLINE: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 11:59 pm MST

Introduction

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for a new public art opportunity along Buchtel Boulevard, between University Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard, in Southeast Denver’s University Neighborhood (District 6). This project is part of the City’s University Neighborhoods Safer Streets initiative, a transportation improvement effort focused on increasing safety and accessibility for people walking, biking, and traveling through the area.

The goal of this public art project is to enhance the Buchtel Boulevard corridor with a creative, engaging artwork that complements the Safer Streets improvements and contributes to a more welcoming and visually compelling environment. The artwork will be experienced by a wide range of users—including neighbors, commuters, students, cyclists, and visitors—and should thoughtfully respond to a highly active, outdoor thoroughfare.

The commission amount for an artist or artist team is approximately $120,000.00 USD. A selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture 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 panel is seeking artists who work in mediums suitable for outdoor display for this project.

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 within the University Neighborhoods and commuters along Buchtel Blvd.

Goals:

The selection panel encourages artists to propose creative responses that feel authentic to their practice and meaningful to the site. Rather than prescribing a single theme or approach, the panel is interested in artwork that thoughtfully engages with the corridor and its users.

In general, the panel is interested in artwork that:

• Enhances and beautifies the Buchtel Boulevard streetscape, contributing to a more inviting and visually engaging environment

• Encourages people to walk and bike along the corridor, helping to reinforce the goals of the Safer Streets improvements

• Responds to the site’s role as a place of movement, transition, and connection

• Is welcoming and accessible to a broad and diverse public, including neighbors, commuters, students, and visitors

• May draw inspiration from the history of transportation and connectivity in the area, while remaining contemporary and forward-looking

Artists are encouraged to interpret these goals creatively and are not required to address all themes. Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of the site, the public nature of the project, and the varied ways people will encounter the artwork over time.

Artwork Site

The panel has identified a preferred location in or near “Prairie Park”, the greenspace that runs parallel to this section of Buchtel Blvd, between University and Colorado Blvds. The goal is to encourage pedestrian and cyclist activity in the area and beautify this section of Buchtel Blvd., while respecting the surrounding natural environment. Finalists will have the opportunity to meet with community members as well as technical experts, to ask specific questions about potential locations prior to finalizing proposals.

Media & Materials

The panel is looking for artists who work in all mediums suitable for outdoor display. Durability and ease of maintenance are important at this location. They are open to a range of media & materials appropriate for the outdoor environment, including (but not limited to) painting, sculpture, mosaic and artworks incorporating natural or recycled materials.

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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=16560

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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.