Scope 

The Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO) , in collaboration with the city of Thornton, are seeking to commission large-scale, original public art. This work will be installed at the Thornton Community Pool located at 2141 E. 95th Avenue, 80229.  The project will produce public art work that speaks to the location, has a positive visual impact and welcomes visitors to the facility. The final work should push Thornton into a contemporary setting and help it become a destination-city; engaged in important conversations on art and culture.   

About the Location 

The Community Pool was dedicated on August 11, 1957. When Thornton’s first residents moved in, there were no gas stations, grocery stores, or street lights. Residents came together to form civic groups to raise funds for infrastructure, a fire truck and ambulance. The Thornton Community Pool was made possible thanks to fundraising efforts by the Thornton Junior Women’s Club. The Junior Women’s Club raised money to build parks, Thornton’s first community building, and were the first advocates for public art in Thornton. In honor of their contributions, a tile mosaic of the club’s yellow rose logo was installed in 2004.   

Since its dedication, the Thornton Community Pool has provided hours of summer fun and memorable stay-cations to Thornton residents and visitors.    

Key Themes and Objectives 

This is an opportunity to create large-scale public art work that will create a positive impact on all who work at and  visit this city facility. Artists are not limited to the “paint on the wall” approach and may choose to explore other materials that fulfill the scope this project. Successful proposals will demonstrate a unique and creative design as well as the following: 

• Cohesive designs that apply to each designated area(s). 

• Dynamic use of color, composition and style elements that create a visual impact. 

• Interdisciplinary practice with an emphasis on creative and innovative materials as well as technology.     

• Experience in large scale fabrication and installation of landmark works.  

• Holistic approach to place-making and (re)activation of a physical space. 

• Strong understanding of contemporary art and its positive effect on public space and community identity. 

• Understanding of the specialized needs and materials for durable, outdoor public art work.   

• Understanding of the diversity and unique character that make the city of Thornton a special place to live, work, and play.       

Eligibility  

*UPDATED to National Call*
This call is open to all artists, design teams, architectural firms, etc., age 18 and over, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.  

Preference will be given to those with a proven history of fabrication and installation of large-scale public art work.   

City of Thornton employees are not eligible. 

Site Locations and Footprint 

The Community Pool has several vertical walls available. The awarded applicant does not need to utilize all the walls available and can select which spaces will work best with the final design. Any prepping and priming will need to be done by the award winner and paid for out of the project budget.  

For the full RFP, project summary, and photos/measurements, please click the following link to access project files: https://bit.ly/34a0aeP

Guidelines 

1. The movement, safety and security of visitors is priority. 
2. The artwork will be outside and exposed to the elements. It must be able to withstand the constantly changing weather conditions of Colorado. These conditions may include a wide fluctuation in temperature and intense, direct sunlight.  
3. Materials used must be durable and require little and/or easy maintenance.  
4. Design should be pleasing and add beauty to the community.   
5. Design cannot contain business promotions or advertisements. 
6. Design cannot include any breach of intellectual property, brands, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities. 
7. Artists do not need to include the city of Thornton logo in their design.  
8. Artists are encouraged to explore unique imagery, themes and materials.  
9. The design must be family-friendly.  

Budget  

The project budget is $31,000, which is inclusive of artist design fees and costs associated with materials, fabrication, transportation, shipping, installation, insurance, etc..  

 
This project is made possible through funding provided by the Adams County Open Space Sale Tax.  The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/5 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to ¼ of one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026.  Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects countywide.   

Review Process and Award Approval  

This review process may be split into three rounds: 

Round 1: Portfolio Review   

The Review Panel (consisting of project and community stakeholders) will review a portfolio of recent work. Applicants are encouraged to submit 5 – 10 pieces of work that highlight their diverse skills and experience. Artists are not required to submit concept designs, but can choose to include them in this first review. Artist who do not submit concepts for the site will not be penalized.  

The Public Art Review Panel will identify up to three finalists through this initial review.  Finalists will be selected based on their skill level, artistic merit, and the overall impact of their work. The finalist(s) will be notified and move on the second round  

Round 2: Site-Specific Proposal  

A modest honorarium will be issued to the finalist(s) to create a site-specific proposal. Depending on the project, it may include a final design, 3-D rendering, itemized budget, materials list, warranty information, implementation schedule, project narrative, and any additional materials requested by city of Thornton staff. The panel will review all proposal information and may schedule short conference/Skype calls to address any questions or concerns before casting their final votes.   

Round 3 (If needed): Public Forum and Additional Feedback 

The finalist may be asked to present their site-specific proposal in a public forum setting for a larger group of community members, staff, and/or Thornton City Council. Artists will be notified ahead of time if additional feedback is needed.  

Recommendations and Final Approval:  

If additional feedback is not needed, the recommendation process will begin. Please note that no project is officially awarded without final approval from Thornton City Council. A recommendation will be presented to TASHCO for approval. If approved, TASHCO will then present the recommendation to Thornton City Council. Thornton Council  may request additional information to support the public art recommendation at that time or approve the award.    

Award:   

The award process is initiated upon final approval by Thornton City Council. The award winner will then begin to enter into contracts and purchasing agreements with the city of Thornton.      

Timelines and Commitments  

The Community Pool Summer Season is June 1 – August 11. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m. The project winner will need to schedule installation around operational hours as no special closures will be scheduled for the installation of the art.   

Submission Deadline: May 3, 2020; 5 p.m. 

Review & Selection Process: May – June.  

Award and Installation: July – December.  

Final Project Deadline: December 31, 2020.  

Submission Requirements  

By submitting your materials in response to this project RFP, you are agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions imposed by Weststaf for use of CAFÉ (callforentry.org). You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Thornton for any claim, cause of action, lawsuit and/or damages related to your use of CAFÉ for this RFP.  

Incomplete and/or submissions that do not meet the scope of this project will not be accepted. Please ensure you have read all submission guidelines carefully before applying.  

Please include all of the following materials to be considered for review: 

• 3 – 10 images of your completed, large-scale work. Please ensure this work showcases your creativity and ability to handle the scope of this project. Also, include the location and the date of completion for each work.     

• Written statement or video detailing your creative process, drive and/or philosophy.  

• Resume/CV with 2 – 3 professional references.  

• Estimated budget outline or estimated project costs (optional)  

• Rough sketches or concept ideas for the project (optional)     

The finalist(s) will submit a site-specific proposal which may include following: 

• Final design 

• Itemized budget. 

• Implementation schedule  

• Project narrative  

• Materials list (including supplier information) 

• Warranty information  

• Maintenance information (including procedures, timeline and estimated city costs) 

• Contractors (if any)  

• Liability Insurance   

Please submit all materials on callforentry.org. 

COVID-19 

Due to the impact of COVID-19, all timelines and budgets for this, and other public art projects are subject to change. These changes will be determined  by City Council. Staff will communicate any changes or delays to applicants as the information becomes available. All efforts are being made to continue supporting creative expression and artists. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenging times. 

Additional Questions?  

Please contact Jesse Jimenez, Arts & Culture Coordinator at 720-977-5881 or jesse.jimenez@ThorntonCO.gov 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria