Organizer Information
Denver Public Art is a municipal program managed by Denver Arts & Venues, the City and County of Denver’s agency for cultural affairs. Established in 1988, the program is fueled by an ordinance that directs 1% of all public improvement project budgets exceeding $1 million toward the purchase and commission of public artworks. With a collection that has grown to over $40 million in value, Denver Public Art is a national leader in urban beautification. The organization works with regional, national, and international artists to create landmark installations—ranging from the iconic "Big Blue Bear" to community-focused murals—ensuring that art is an accessible and integral part of Denver’s physical and social landscape.
Title & Description
Denver Public Art Commission Opportunities
The program currently hosts several distinct "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) and "Purchase Calls" aimed at enhancing specific public sites in Denver. These opportunities range from large-scale interactive installations to the direct purchase of existing artworks. The primary goal is to create art that reflects Denver’s diverse cultural history, promotes community engagement, and fosters a sense of place. Current active projects include:
- Cook/Garland Park Project: Focusing on interactive, educational, and Indigenous-centered artworks.
- Lena Archuleta Library Purchase Call: Seeking existing artworks that embody themes of hope, healing, and the immigrant experience in Southwest Denver.
Categories
The program is open to a wide variety of mediums, provided they are durable for public spaces:
- Visual Art & Sculpture (3D, free-standing, or wall-mounted)
- Murals & Urban Art
- Interactive & Digital Art (specifically for park settings)
- Textile Art & Multi-media (for indoor library settings)
Eligibility
- Geographic Scope: Most current calls are open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States.
- Experience Level: Denver Public Art actively encourages local and emerging artists to apply.
- Diversity & Inclusion: The program prioritizes artists who can demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and those who represent underrepresented voices, including American Indian/Indigenous artists.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Project Budgets:
- Cook/Garland Park: Approximately $207,000 USD (inclusive of design, fabrication, and installation).
- Lena Archuleta Library: Approximately $60,000 USD total (individual artworks purchased for up to $30,000 USD each).
- Professional Development: Selected artists receive mentorship and support from the Public Art Program staff through the contracting and installation phases.
- Legacy: Inclusion in Denver’s permanent public art collection, one of the most recognized in the U.S.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV/Resume: Highlighting public art experience or relevant artistic background.
- Portfolio: High-quality images of previous work (usually via a CallForEntry account).
- Statement of Interest: Outlining the artist’s approach to the specific site and themes (e.g., Indigenous history for the park call or community wellness for the library call).
- References: Contact information for professional references from past projects.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 January 2026
Location
Denver, Colorado, United States
Additional Details
The program places a heavy emphasis on Universal Design and Accessibility, ensuring that artworks can be experienced by individuals of all abilities, including those with visual impairments. For the Cook/Garland Park project, artists are specifically encouraged to consult with Indigenous-led organizations or cultural advisors to ensure respectful representation of the area’s history.