Aurora Regional Navigation Campus

The new Aurora Regional Navigation Campus, located at 15550 E. 40th Ave in Aurora, will provide a variety of services for people experiencing homelessness such as transitional housing, employment services, workforce development, daytime shelter, emergency shelter, medical clinics, mental health services, medical respite beds, housing navigation, case management and meals. The campus will accommodate service animals and pets.

The space was once the Crowne Plaza Denver Hotel and Convention Center. The space will be renovated to meet the new needs of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus. The art will be located in the new Day Room (the old lobby). The walls offer multiple opportunities for a vision, with a center wall space measuring 22’ x 20.’ (See images at the end of the narrative.)

THE PROJECT

The city of Aurora, CO is seeking a holistic vision for the Day Room (the old lobby). The artwork should create a safe space while also reflecting the work that takes place within the building. It should represent the personal growth and transitions that will take place, acknowledge the social struggle for the guests while looking to the future and helping people discover their purpose and sense of being. The artwork(s) should also create a welcoming presence and help to define the dining area as a safe and respectful space, that recognizes the challenges of the guests but focuses on what we can do together.

Background

This project is in collaboration with Aurora Housing and Community Services whose mission is to maintain community appearance and enhance the quality of life in Aurora’s neighborhoods. This is accomplished through a combination of community outreach, code enforcement, animal services and numerous neighborhood improvement programs and services. (https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/departments/housing_and_community_services)

About 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 approximately 400,000 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.

Application Requirements

Application Materials

• 8-10 images/videos of relevant work. Do not submit conceptual proposals. They will not be reviewed.
• Professional resume not to exceed two pages
• Statement of Interest (Why this project is of interest to you. Keep in mind the selection panel is looking for an artist who has lived experience with housing insecurity (themselves, family members, friends, etc.) or who has worked with a similar population.
• Brief bio
• Open ONLY to artists who reside in Colorado

Questions

Questions should be directed to publicart@auroragov.org.

Eligibility Criteria

Selection Criteria

The ideal artist is:

• Comfortable working in the public sphere.
• Enjoys working with people.
• Has an expressed affinity for and understanding of the complex issues related to trauma
• Has lived experience with housing insecurity (themselves, family members, friends, etc.).
• Lives and works in Colorado.

Tentative Timeline

• Deadline for completed applications to be received: November 15, 2024, 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
• Finalists notified: week of November 25, 2024
• Finalists’ virtual presentations: week of January 13, 2025
• Multi-level approval process completed: Early March 2025
• It is desirable that the work be completed and installed by Fall, 2025