Scope 

The city of Thornton in collaboration with the  Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is  seeking to commission large-scale, original public art. This work will be installed at the new Trail Winds Recreation Center located at 13495 Holly Street, 80602.  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 conversations on art and culture.    

About the Location 

The 87,000 square foot facility was completed in fall 2019 and serves as a gateway to our amazing park and fields.  The new facility features a small theater space, lounge/function space, multi-purpose rooms, catering and teaching kitchen, preschool, exercise rooms, gymnasium, climbing wall, indoor elevated running track, a lap pool, lazy river, leisure pool and water slides. This facility has quickly an important resource for the Thornton community.  

Key Themes and Objectives 

This is an opportunity to create large-scale public art that will create a positive impact on all who work at and  visit this city facility. Artists are encouraged to think  “outside the box” and  explore creative materials and technology to fulfill the scope this project. Successful proposals will demonstrate a unique and creative design in addition to the following: 

• Cohesive designs that apply to each designated structure/area while not conflicting with the current visual ques of the facility.  

• 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 needed for durable, outdoor public work.   

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

Eligibility  

This nationwide 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 work.   

City of Thornton employees are not eligible. 

Site Locations and Footprint 

The large focal piece will be installed in the roundabout located in front of the facility.  

There are additional opportunities to for indoor pieces on the east wall of the Active Adult entrance  and the indoor pool area. The east wall  lends itself to a prefabricated hanging piece, while the indoor pool area may benefit from projection mapping or other interactive technology based work.  However, these are optional and the awarded applicant does not need to utilize these additional spaces.  

Photos, site plans, measurements  and projects summary  are available by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/3aISbIb

Please note that due to COVID-19 and facility closures not all measurements have been provided. However, staff will provide more in depth site information as soon as it is safe to do so.  

Guidelines 

1. The movement, safety and security of visitors is priority. 

1. The focal piece work will be outside and exposed to 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 sunlight.  

1. Materials used must be durable and require little and/or easy maintenance.  

1. Design should be pleasing and add beauty to the community and work with the facilities visual ques.  

1. Design cannot contain business promotions or advertisements. 

1. Design cannot include any breach of intellectual property, brands, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities. 

1. Artists do not need to include the city of Thornton logo in their design.  

1. Artists are encouraged to explore unique imagery, themes and materials.  

1. The design must be family-friendly.  

Budget  

The project budget is $84,000, 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: Sunday 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 Westcafe 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 submissions will not be accepted.  

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

• 5 – 15 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.  

• Images index (if needed)  

• Estimated budget outline or estimated project costs (optional)  

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

• Additional concept art information (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 call for entry.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 Thornton 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