Denver Arts & Venues Requests Qualifications for Two New Denver Public Art Projects: Denver Performing Arts Complex and Wellington Webb Municipal Building

Denver Arts & Venues is now accepting qualifications for two new Denver Public Art projects: Denver Performing Arts Complex and Wellington Webb Municipal Building. 

"Many of our recent calls for artists have focused on three-dimensional art. We're thrilled that our new calls open the door for two-dimensional artwork, such as murals, photography, prints, videography, drawings or fiber art. This provides a chance for artists who couldn't apply for previous sculptural commissions," said Rudi Cerri, program manager for Denver Public Art. "The Webb Building commission also presents a unique opportunity for artists to interact with city workers through interviews and workshops, and it includes studio space at the Webb Building where artists can work."

Wellington Webb Municipal Building
Budget: Approximately $25,000-$50,000 per commission ($175,000-$350,000 total)
Eligibility: Open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States
These new artworks will adorn each of seven hallways within the Wellington Webb Municipal Building that are utilized by various city agencies. The artworks should creatively celebrate and illuminate the work of City and County of Denver employees and agencies and enhance the experience of the city workers and patrons who utilize the Webb Building daily. At least five artists will be selected for this commission and as part of the process, they will be required to collaborate or engage with city employees. The selection panel is interested in artwork that will provide color, excitement or liveliness to the interior spaces, and reflect Denver's rich and multifaceted history, capturing both its celebrated moments and its challenges. 

Interested artists may submit qualifications at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=13797 through Monday, Aug. 19, 11:59 p.m. MST.

“City employees positively impact the community in so many ways,” Cerri continued. “This artwork is a way to celebrate their impact, whether it be how they care for our parks and venues, how they build the infrastructure that connect us, or even how they support our voting and marriage rights.”

Denver Performing Arts Complex
Budget: Approximately $387,000
Eligibility: Open to artists or artist teams residing in the United States or internationally
The goal of the public art commission is to create iconic, dynamic and inviting artwork(s) to adorn several outdoor concrete façades of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The selection panel hopes the artwork(s) will celebrate the spirit of the performing arts in Denver and invites potential artists to create something unexpected and dynamic for the complex. The artwork should invite everyone into the complex; it should be inclusive, representative and accessible to as many audiences as possible. This new commission should enhance the experience for Arts Complex patrons and amplify the events, performances, rehearsals and other activities at the Arts Complex. Artists are encouraged to consider the spirit of Denver and how it relates to the ecosystem of the Arts Complex and downtown. 

Interested artists may submit qualifications at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=13798 through Monday, Aug. 12, 11:59 p.m. MST.

Denver Public Art is hosting a pre-application meeting Monday, Aug. 5, 5:30 p.m. MST for interested applicants of both projects. The meeting will cover project backgrounds and goals, and the application process for this Request for Qualifications. Attendees will also receive information on CallForEntry.org through which artists may apply. Interested applicants are asked to register on Eventbrite to get information on how to join prior to the event. 

Interpretation services will be available upon request, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Attendees are asked to please email DAVLanguageAccess@denvergov.org to request services at least five business days in advance.

More information on these and other Denver Public Art calls is available at www.DenverPublicArt.org/For-Artists/#opportunities.