Background

Plans are currently in progress to create a 14-acre community park featuring a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, a basketball court, picnic shelters, restrooms, a plaza area, open space, and a wetland designed to attract migratory birds and wildlife, complete with a pedestrian bridge. Nestled in the arid landscape along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the park will be framed by a stunning natural backdrop. Several potential locations within the park have been identified for the inclusion of artwork.

The artwork could expand upon the exploration of movement initiated in the earlier artwork in a variety of ways such as integrating kinetic elements with movement generated by the wind (which is prevalent) or by human engagement, but this is not a requirement. The artwork should complement the surrounding landscape and natural environment that is highly valued by the neighborhood and wildlife and should not impede the view of the mountains.

The mission of Aurora’s Art in Public Places Program is to capture the pulse of the community by contributing to neighborhood development, economic vitality, and engaging the many voices of Aurora through arts and culture.

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

• 10 image/videos of relevant work. Do not submit conceptual proposals or drawings. They will not be reviewed. Please use the Statement of Interest to describe your overall approach.
• Professional Resume not to exceed two pages
• Statement of Interest (Why this project is of interest to you)
• Brief Bio
• Open ONLY to Artists who reside in the USA.

Questions

Questions should be directed to publicart@auroragov.org.

Eligibility Criteria

Materials

Materials must be durable and appropriate for exterior applications within the Front Range climate of Colorado. Annually, temperatures range from sub-zero to over 100 degrees, and temperatures can span more than 40 degrees within a day, or even a few hours. Snow, hail, wind, and extreme sun are all environmental issues to contend with when proposing exterior art projects at this elevation and climate.

Selection Process

Aurora’s Public Art Staff manages the selection process. All applications must be submitted through the CAFÉ System of the Western States Arts Federation. This application process is free. No hard copies will be accepted. This call is open to artists residing in the US. 

Phase One:  The Selection Panel will identify the most qualified applicants based on the selection criteria and the goals of the project. From this pool of submissions, three finalists will be selected. 

Phase Two:  Three finalists will each receive a $2,200 honorarium to participate in an optional site visit, develop a formal proposal, and participate in a virtual interview. Finalists will receive a list of key stakeholders that can be contacted during the design research process. During formal interviews (virtual), finalists will present their proposals and engage in a Q & A period. Honoria will be paid following the formal presentation.

Phase Three: The Selection Panel will recommend the selected applicant to the Art in Public Places Commission for approval. Then the project will move through a multi-level approval process, culminating with City Council.

Selection Criteria

The ideal artist is:

• Is comfortable working in the public sphere.
• Enjoys working with people.
• Has demonstrated experience creating exterior three-dimensional permanent works of art.
• Has demonstrated experience working on projects with budgets of $100,000 or greater.
• Is living and working in the United States.  Experience living, working, or playing in Colorado is a plus.

Tentative Timeline

• Deadline for completed applications to be received: April 30, 2025, 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
• Finalists notified: May 15, 2025
• Finalists’ virtual presentations: July 21, 2025
• Multi-level approval process completed: Mid-September 2025
• Artwork to be completed and installed: approximately late spring or early summer 2027