The application window for artists to be considered for this public art project closed on July 28, 2025. Over the next few months, the community selection panel will select three artists to create proposals for this project and will choose a winning artist from those three proposals.
Introduction
The Boulder Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original, three-dimensional outdoor artwork for the Fire Station 2 campus in Boulder, Colorado. The artwork will be sited at a highly visible intersection on the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Broadway Avenue, serving as a gateway to the city and a landmark for a wide range of residents and visitors. The commission amount is approximately $225,000 USD.
Fire Station 2
Located on the corner of Baseline and Broadway, Fire Station 2 serves the University of Colorado Boulder and University Hill area, responding to approximately 2,300 emergency calls per year. The station is being redeveloped to provide modernized emergency services to the community and support the City of Boulder’s goals for sustainability, equity, and long-term resilience. The project has an estimated total cost of $25 million and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Materials & Media
The selection panel seeks to commission an iconic sculptural artwork that functions as a visually striking gateway while honoring the values, history, and landscape of Boulder. The work will be sited outdoors at a key corner of the property visible to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The work should be appreciable from a distance.
Selection Process
From the pool of applicants, a selection panel will choose three finalists, who will each receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop a site-specific proposal and participate in an interview. Finalists will meet virtually with project stakeholders, design team members, and public art staff. One artist or team will be selected and recommended to the Boulder Arts Commission and City Manager for final approval. All decisions of the City of Boulder are final.
Budget
The total budget for this commission is approximately $225,000 USD, inclusive of all costs associated with the project: artist fees, materials, fabrication, insurance, travel, installation, site modifications, and documentation. Funding is made possible through the City of Boulder’s 1% for Public Art Policy.
Timeline
(Except for online application deadline, timeline is subject to adjustments)
Monday, July 28, 2025; 11:59 P.M. MST — Application deadline via CaFÉ™
August 2025 -- Three finalists selected
Fall 2025 — Artist/team selected
2027 — Installation (dependent on overall construction schedule)
Project Selection Panel
In accordance with Boulder’s Public Art Policy, the Fire Station 2 public art selection panel includes five voting members and additional non-voting advisors. The panel is responsible for reviewing the site, developing goals, evaluating applicants, and selecting finalists and the commissioned artist/team.
Contact
For questions, please contact:
Boulder Office of Arts + Culture, Public Art Program
publicart@bouldercolorado.gov
