AURORA, CO

Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado, spanning three counties in the eastern Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area. Aurora embraces a highly diverse population of over 386,000 residents who enjoy access to quality education, Colorado's natural beauty and active lifestyle, and an array of cultural amenities within the context of a vibrant and growing community. Aurora is home to top national employers in aerospace and defense, bioscience, healthcare, and alternative energy. Situated on prairie grasslands, rolling hills and the northern tip of the Black Forest, Aurora offers a unique quality of life that blends a traditional sense of community with a range of outdoor and leisure activities. Residents enjoy a wealth of opportunities and are proud to call Aurora home. 

THE MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE

The Aurora Municipal Court handles traffic and misdemeanor cases that are written in our City limits by our Aurora Police Department, Zoning, Parking, Animal, Fire, and Code Enforcement. The Courthouse also houses the Prosecutors, Public Defenders, and Judicial staff in addition to Case Management, Probation, Marshal’s and Court IT which are all under Court Administration. Jurors are called in to serve on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one day jury trials.

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY – SMALL WORKS WITHIN THE JURY ROOM

There are currently two opportunities for artists within the Aurora Municipal Courthouse. This RFQ focuses on an opportunity involving 8 panels situated within the jury room. A separate RFQ focuses on a mural located on the second floor. Applicants can choose to apply for either or both projects.  Note that they are separate applications, and both are available through CaFE.

The Art Selection Panel is seeking a unique collection of works that can address the theme of Justice and Our Community. The artwork should reflect the physical context while also reflecting the work that takes place within the building. It should represent the diverse community of Aurora. The artworks should also create a welcoming presence and help to define the jury room as a safe and respectful space.

There are 8 panels, four on one side of the room, and four on the opposite side of the room. Each panel is 57.5” x 46." Each panel could house one single piece or two smaller works. The works should all be framed alike, so that it is clear that these works are intended to be seen as a group and are specifically created for this site.

Application Requirements

     Application Materials

• 6-10 images of relevant work. Do not submit conceptual proposals.  They will not be reviewed.
• Professional Resume not to exceed 2 pages.
• Statement of Interest:
  • What is your connection to the Aurora community?
  • Why does this theme resonate with you?
• Note: This application is open ONLY to Artists who live and work in Colorado. If you do not live or work in Colorado, your application will not be reviewed.

Eligibility Criteria

SELECTION CRITERIA

The ideal artist:

• Is comfortable working in the public sphere
• enjoys working with people
• has demonstrated experience creating works in suitable materials and scale
• has an affinity for the theme of this project
• lives and works in Colorado. Note: Artists who have a connection to Aurora are encouraged to apply for this project

Materials

Framed works including photographs, prints, paintings, fiber works, collage, mixed media, low relief, and mosaic. All works must be designed to hand and fit within the defined nooks. The artist is responsible for installing the works.

The budget is to include all costs related to this project (design, project management, fabrication, all materials, transportation, equipment rental, installation, insurance, and any other costs associated with this project.)

Tentative Timeline

• Deadline for completed applications to be received: Thursday, 11/30, at 11:59 pm.
• Finalists notified: Week of 12/11/2023
• Finalists Presentations: Week of 2/19/2024
• Approval by Art in Public Places Commission at their March Meeting
• It is desirable that the artwork be completed and installed in August 2024, but there is also some flexibility.