The call for entry for the Western City Campus Plaza Public Art Project is now closed. The standing selection panel is currently reviewing applications.
Budget: Approximately $300,000 USD
Eligibility: International Call
Deadline: Friday, June 28, 2024; 11:59 p.m. MST
The Boulder Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or team of artists to create an original work of art for the Western City Campus Plaza. The future plaza will be located behind the pavilion building on Broadway and Alpine, in Boulder, Colorado. The selection panel has recommended either one site-specific artwork, or several site-specific artworks to be integrated into the plaza. The commission amount is approximately $300,000 USD.
Alpine-Balsam Western City Campus
The Alpine-Balsam property, formerly the Boulder Community Health (BCH) hospital, was purchased by the City of Boulder in 2015. Plans for redevelopment have taken shape over the past several years. The reimagined site will provide new affordable and market-rate homes in a range of housing types and will be the future location of the Western City Campus to house municipal functions and serve community members. It will include new indoor and outdoor public spaces, new streets and paths, sustainable solutions for infrastructure and buildings, increased tree canopy, a greenway for flood conveyance, easy-to-use travel options, and managed parking. More information can be found on the project webpage.
Materials & Media
The selection panel members have created specific goals and parameters for this public art project with the hope of creating a unique and inspiring work of art for the diverse communities that will soon live, work and visit the Western City Campus. The panel is looking for artwork(s) that are playful, welcoming, kid-friendly, and provide a cultural connection to the campus. The work could also be interactive and have a community engagement component. Works should be bright, colorful and imaginative and create a sense of belonging. The panel is open to commissioning one site-specific artwork or several site-specific artworks to be integrated into the plaza. Works that demonstrate the connection between human activity and the natural environment, and tell the story of the place - geologically, socially and ecologically, are encouraged. Artworks should be pedestrian-scaled and enhance the experience of those who will use and enjoy the plaza. The selection panel is open to artwork in materials that are suitable for outdoor display and is specifically seeking three-dimensional works of art. Artists are asked to be mindful and respectful of the plaza’s functionality, its users, and the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Maintenance & Durability
All applicants are expected to consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with time and budget. These projects are located in the public realm and may therefore be exposed to weather and physical stresses, as well as be subject to vandalism. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator prior to the submission of a final proposal and should ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as ADA standards. All finalists are expected to stay within budget and to complete work in an approved time frame.
Eligibility
This project is open internationally to artists regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability. The selection panel is especially interested in artists who can demonstrate an understanding of the area’s history, landscape, and culture. Colorado artists, emerging artists, and artists working in media that is suitable for outdoor display are especially encouraged to apply.
Can a team apply?
Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. If applying as a team, please submit one résumé for the team, with one page per team member.
Applying for these opportunities
In response to this RFQ, applicants will be asked to submit four digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters via www.callforentry.org (CaFÉ™).
From these applications, the selection panel will choose three finalists who will create site-specific proposals and be interviewed by the panel. Artists will be paid an honorarium of $2,000 for this work. From the interview and proposal, an artist or artist team will be selected for this commission. The selected artist or artist team will collaborate with City of Boulder staff and the design team when finalizing their designs for installation.
Please direct all questions about the project to public art program staff at publicart@bouldercolorado.gov.