Call Detail
The Spoke Mural
Entry Deadline: 6/26/22
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 10
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 10
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Local
State: Colorado
Budget: 60,000

Longmont Art in Public Places mission is “To provide, manage and promote a diverse and ongoing collection of public art for the enjoyment of the citizens of Longmont.”

The City of Longmont’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program in partnership with Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) seeks to commission a Colorado artist or a team of artists to create a site-specific public mural artwork at The Spoke on Coffman located at 518 Coffman Street in Longmont’s thriving downtown. The team is seeking an artist or a team of artists who has demonstrated experience visualizing a community hub to highlight its strong connection to the property and surrounding community.

Boulder County Housing Authority’s mission is to foster the availability of quality, affordable housing and related housing services for the residents of Boulder County.

About the Spoke

The Spoke on Coffman is a mixed-use neighborhood with 73 1- to 3-BR affordable apartment-style rental homes. The Spoke is located across the street from the St. Vrain Community Hub, Boulder County’s integrated one-stop location for a wide range of services and benefits, including health coverage, food, financial, childcare assistance, financial coaching, immunizations, employment supports, mental health services, family and children services, and much more. The proximity of the Hub to residents of The Spoke will support housing stability, job training, and healthier households.

The Spoke on Coffman will also include a 262-space parking deck with bike and electric vehicle charging for residents and downtown employees, a commercial space with an enterprise café, and office space. The mural will be featured on the top tiers of the parking garage facing east, visible from Main Street and Longmont’s thriving downtown area.

The name of the community, The Spoke on Coffman, in connection with the St. Vrain Hub, symbolizes the partnership between Boulder County and the City of Longmont to provide services for residents and to support stable housing and healthier households within the community, as well as needed downtown parking and a gathering space. 

Location for Art: The new artwork will span 1645 sq.ft. along the east facing top tiers of the parking garage.

Application Requirements

Applying for This Opportunity

In response to this RFQ, applicants will be asked to submit six to ten digital images of previous work, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters via www.callforentry.org (CaFÉ™). The panel will review all application materials and choose several finalists. Selection will be based on a review of each applicant’s style, technical skill, and examples of previous work. Previous experience with public or private commissions is desirable. Finalists will be invited to create a site-specific mural design proposal to present to the selection panel.

Selected finalists will be paid a $1,500 honorarium to create the proposal. Artists living more than 75 miles from Longmont Museum will be paid an additional amount up to $250 for travel and lodging expenses for the presentation. Finalists will provide three professional references with the proposal submission. The proposed imagery may be on display for the public comment for a short period prior to the selection panel interview and artist presentation. Each finalist will then present their proposal and take questions from the selection panel. An artist or artist team will be selected for this artwork commission from the group of finalists. As in all competitions, the City reserves the right to revise the project parameters as needed, and to reject all proposals if no consensus is reached on final selection.

The selected artist or artist team for the commission will work with the public art program staff and the building team within the timeline to complete the installation. The final recommendation of the selection panel will be presented to the Art in Public Places Commission for acceptance, and artist contract requires Mayor of Longmont signature for final approval.

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.

Budget

The budget for this commission is $60,000 USD which will be allocated to the artist/team selected. These funds come from the City of Longmont’s 1% for Public Art Ordinance resulting from the construction budget to make improvements to the building. This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: the artist’s design fee, other consultation fees, insurance (including Colorado Workers Compensation), tools, materials, transportation, installation, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, 10% required contingency to cover unexpected expenses, and any other costs.

Maintenance & Durability

All applicants will consider long-term conservation and maintenance of the public art, along with time and budget. Due to exposure to weather and harsh UV, all approved materials will be industry standard, highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists will consult with the public art administrator prior to submission of a final proposal and will be required to apply a UV sealant to the final work. Selected artist proposals are reviewed by the Longmont’s Public Art Commission and other appropriate agencies to ensure conformity with City standards of maintenance and durability. All finalists are expected to stay on budget and to complete work in an approved timeframe.

Project timeline

(Except for online application deadline, timeline is subject to adjustments)

June 26, 2022: 11:59 MST Deadline for entry (via CaFÉ™ system)

July 20 2022: Finalist Presentations (in person at Longmont Museum)

Summer 2022: AIPP and artist will complete contract and determine painting schedule

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

This project is open to artists residing in Colorado, 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. Questions regarding eligibility should contact the Longmont public art administrator.