Call Description

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, APP Program is seeking an artist/team, to collaborate with the project team to identify potential locations for art and develop opportunities to integrate art into the SECC Project. This collaborative process will guide the locations and opportunities for artwork that complements the overall facility vision and goals, and enables opportunities for integrated public art projects. The project may include multiple artists/artworks in the overall scope and art budget.

The SECC in Fort Collins, Colorado, will be a landmark project that embodies a decade-long vision to enhance community services in the city’s rapidly growing southeast region. The intent is to deliver a community center in southeast Fort Collins focused on innovation, technology, art, recreation, and the creative process. The community center will feature multi-use spaces for recreation, fitness, creativity, innovation, intergenerational programs, a state-of-the-art public library, and both indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities.

The design of the SECC is grounded in the concept of “The Commons”—a central connector that unifies library services and recreation through shared values of community, innovation, gathering, and discovery. This core space is not only a physical link but also a symbolic one, representing the SECC’s role as a dynamic, inclusive hub that brings people together across diverse programs and experiences. The design and construction of the facility is a collaborative partnership between the City of Fort Collins, Poudre School District, and Poudre Libraries. The SECC will be built on 10 acres of land adjacent to Fossil Ridge High School and north of Twin Silo Community Park in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Planning and design work is underway and will continue through mid-2026. Construction is estimated to begin in mid-to-late 2026 and is anticipated to be complete in 2028. The artist/team will start meeting with the project team immediately after signing an APP design contract.

Eligibility

This project is open to artists/artist teams who are at least 18 years of age and legally residing in and authorized to work in the United States. Artist/teams must be able to work effectively and collaboratively with the project team selected by the City of Fort Collins. The team is looking for an artist/team that has experience working collaboratively with project teams on budgets larger than $150,000.

Media

All media appropriate to the project will be considered. All applicants are expected to consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with timeline and budget. The work is intended to be a permanent addition to the City of Fort Collins. Design and installation must consider that the work will be situated in a public location and subject to the elements and potential vandalism.

Budget

The artist will sign a design contract with the Fort Collins APP program and work with the project team to identify potential locations for art and opportunities to integrate art into the SECC facility and/or site. Along with identifying locations, the artist will develop integrated site-specific art concept(s) and then create a detailed proposal, budget, and timeline for the art element(s). Final approval is required from the APP Board and the Fort Collins City Council. Depending on the final design/materials of the project, the artist may be awarded the contract to fabricate the project. The project may include multiple artists/artworks in the overall scope and art budget.

The total contract amount will be for all applicable expenses, which includes all fees for consulting with the design team, the design, execution, transportation, site preparation, and installation of all artwork selected, as well as a project plaque. This figure will also include any travel expenses. The total art budget of approximately $600,000 could include contracts with multiple artists to provide art installations for the SECC.

Selection Schedule

• August 4, 2025, 11:59 pm MST – Deadline
• August 2025 – Selection committee meets to select semifinalists; all applicants notified of application status.
• Early-to-Mid-September 2025 – Semifinalist Interviews
• Mid-Late-September 2025 – Finalist selected and starts working with the project team.

Selection Criteria

In reviewing the submitted RFQ materials, the committee will consider the following:

• The artist’s letter of intent and how well it addresses this project.
• The artist’s experience working within the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with a project team.
• The quality of the artist’s submitted portfolio of previous work samples.

Selection Process

A selection committee may consist of members of the APP Board, the SECC Project team, and a City Purchasing Department representative. The committee will review application materials and select semifinalists. Semifinalists will be interviewed by the project team before final selection. Artists/teams will be selected based on their qualifications/application. The committee reserves the right to reject any or all entries at any time during the review and selection process.

Application Requirements

Please submit one (1) copy of the following materials:

1. Letter of intent: Please describe your interest in this project. Please also describe any past project experience working with a project and design team to integrate artwork early into the design of an overall project. Please include the project art budget.
2. Current resume: (max. 2 pages) outlining your professional accomplishments as an artist/artist team and experience with design and project teams.
3. Three (3) References: Names, professional titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references who can speak to your/your team’s experience as an artist/artist team and performance on past public art projects.
4. Image list including artist name, title, media, dimensions, location, date, cost, and description of the artwork.

In addition to the above materials, please also submit:

1.       Six (total) digital images of relevant work completed within the past five years

• Do not include a proposal, graphic rendering or illustration with this application.
• Do not include images on resume, letter of intent, or image list.
• Submissions must be complete or will not be reviewed.
  Materials not requested will not be reviewed.

Eligibility Criteria

This project is open to artists/artist teams who are at least 18 years of age and legally residing in and authorized to work in the United States. Artist/teams must be able to work effectively and collaboratively with the project team selected by the City of Fort Collins. The team is looking for an artist/team that has experience working collaboratively with project teams on budgets larger than $150,000.