Scope

The city of Thornton in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), are seeking to commission public art in the form of two new pollinator habitats, structures, or spaces that provide shelter for a specific pollinator species.

These habitats will be installed in pollinator gardens. The selected artist will research, design, build and install species-specific habitats. The city of Thornton's Parks and Open Space Divisions will work with the selected artist to identify native species of plants that support the design of each pollinator habitat. Staff will select, plants and maintain the space in the pollinator garden surrounding each habitat.

This work is intended to be a permanent addition to the Thornton public art collection and parks environments. The city of Thornton reserves the right to remove any artworks for any reason, at any time.

History of Land

Thornton sits on the traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne), and Hinono'eiteen (Arapaho) people. This land holds historical, spiritual, and personal significance to indigenous nations of this region in addition to numerous others. 

Please note, the Thornton Public Art Program is in the process of developing a formal land acknowledgment statement.

Mission

This work will help build a diverse and engaging collection of public art that is personal to Thornton and informed by the community. The artwork will establish Thornton as an innovative and exciting destination-city; engaged in contemporary conversations on art and culture.

Objectives and Key Themes

Prior to 2018, Thornton Public Art Collection pieces utilized similar materials (masonry and bronze). In 2020, emphasis was put on cutting edge design, viewer activation, and a piece’s relation to physical space. Successful artists will challenge themselves to think creatively and "outside the box" in order to engage viewers and expand art in Thornton through the use of contemporary design, materials, and technology. Click links below to learn more about the city's commission process and view other projects that have been approved by Thornton City Council:

1. Public Art Commission Process
2. Current Public Art Projects 

Successful proposals will demonstrate a unique and creative interpretation of the space(s) in addition to the following:

• Functional value: work must be well researched in order to meet the biological needs of a specific pollinator species.
• Educational value: work should engage residents on themes such as the importance of pollinators, environmental protection, and/or Thornton ecosystems.
• Cohesive and forward-thinking design that applies to the designated area(s).
• ​Dynamic use of color, composition and style elements that create a strong visual impact.
• Interdisciplinary practice with an emphasis on creativity, innovative materials, and technology.
• Experience and/or ability to produce large scale fabrication and installation of impactful, landmark works.
• Holistic and nontraditional approach to place-making and (re)activation of a physical space with consideration to viewing in all seasons, weather conditions, and lighting conditions.
• Strong understanding of the role artists plays in a growing city and the positive effect art has on public space and community identity.
• Strong understanding of audience/viewer engagement and activation.
• Understanding of the specialized needs and materials for durable, outdoor public art work.
• Ability to present well-researched and prepared proposals to a committee of stakeholders which include residents, elected officials, and city staff.
• Ability to meet the needs of a community and site within the allotted budget and timeframe.
• Understanding and commitment to the diversity and unique character that make the city of Thornton a special place to live, work, and play.

Guidelines

Applicants will ensure to meet the scope of this project in addition to the following:

1. The movement, safety and security of visitors is priority.
2. Materials used must be durable, and require little and/or easy maintenance.
3. Details and calculations for art will be needed if there are any connections to infrastructure (electricity).
4. Designs need to take into account additional external factors which may affect the condition of the artwork in addition to other precautionary measures (e.g. direct sunlight, extremes of annual rain or snowfall, temperature, air moisture or dryness, acidity of rainfall, flooding, wind, vibrations, air pollutants, vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic; animal interaction with artwork – potential for nesting, droppings, etc.; human interaction with artwork – touching, sitting, climbing, vandalism).
5. Award winner will be required to coordinate installation activities with city of Thornton staff.
6. Award winner will be required to provide detailed records, guidelines, procedures to assist staff with future maintenance and repair.
7. Design cannot contain business promotions or advertisements.
8. Design cannot include any breach of intellectual property, brands, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities.
9. Artists do not need to include the city of Thornton logo in their design(s).
10. The design must be family-friendly.

Budget

The project budget is $77,000, which is inclusive of artist's fee, materials, fabrication and execution of work; equipment rentals; licenses, permits, insurance etc.

This project is made possible through funding provided by the Adams County Open Space Sale Tax and the SCFD. 

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 Approval

This public art process will be split into several rounds. Community stakeholders who donate their time to ensure that the commission process is fair and meets the needs of the community assist with reviews and selections. We thank artists in advanced for their patience. 

Round 1: Portfolio Review (Four Hours)

The panel (consisting of project and community stakeholders) will review a portfolio of artists' recent work. Applicants are required to submit images 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. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Artist who have not thoroughly read and/or do not meet the requirements of this call will also not be considered. 

Round 2: Semi Finalist Deliberation (Two Hours)

The panel will meet to discuss top scores and advocate for their favorite applicants. Up to three semifinalists may be identified for a project. Panel members will make a motion and approve the semifinalists. Semifinalists will be issued a modest honorarium to create a site-specific proposal.

Round 3: Design Presentations (Four Hours) 

Semifinalists will be invited to present their proposal to the panel via Zoom. This gives the artist an opportunity to address any questions or concerns. Semifinalists will produce a well-researched and thorough, site-specific proposal that meets the needs of the project in addition to the following:

• Final design.
• 3D rendering and/or images of final piece within the physical space (context).
• Itemized budget, including insurance, travel, install, foundational, and contractor costs.
• Estimated engineering, production, and fabrication schedule.
• Estimated installation schedule.
• Preferred pay schedule.
• Artist statement and project narrative.
• Materials list, including supplier information.
• Warranty information.
• Maintenance information, including procedures, timelines and future estimated city costs.

Proposals will be due to the Arts & Culture Coordinator one week before the scheduled presentations. Incomplete or late proposals will not be accepted.

Round 4: Final Deliberation (Two Hours) 

Each panel member will discuss each design and cast a final vote. Presenters will be scored on the following criteria:

• Artistic quality
• Project feasibility
• Community activation/engagement
• Project goals
• Overall proposal

Round 5: Council Recommendation and Final Approval 

Once a finalist has been identified, 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 the TASHCO board for approval. If approved, TASHCO will then present the recommendation to Thornton City Council. Council may request additional information to support the public art recommendation at that time or approve the award.

Upon final approval from Thornton City Council, the award-winner will then begin to enter into contracts and purchasing agreements with the city of Thornton.

Locations and Footprint

Locations for these projects is TBD. 

Pollinator gardens will be at least 5' x 5' and will not exceed 10' x 10'. Locations will not have a concrete pad. Artist will be in charge of any concrete/footers needed for install. 

There are no weight or height restrictions. 

Timeline

Below are important 2022 project dates. Staff will communicate any changes to applicants via email as needed.

• Open Call: February 1 – April 9
• Round 1: April 16 - 30
• Round 2: May 5
• Round 3 & 4: August 6
• TASHCO Approval: September
• Council Approval: November

The commissioned piece will have a final project deadline of December 31, 2023.

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.

Submissions

 By submitting your materials in response to this project RFQ/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 RFQ/RFP.  

Application Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Media
   Images - Minimum: 3, Maximum: 15
   Video - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 5
   Total Media - Minimum: 3, Maximum: 20
2. Resume
3. Artist Statement
4. Supplemental Questions

Eligibility Criteria

The public art process is guided by transparency, inclusivity, and diversity. The Public Art Subcommittee is committed to creating space for underrepresented and diverse voices in creative industries. Artists and creative teams committed to work around equity, diversity, and inclusion are strongly encouraged to apply for consideration. 

The city of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer. The city reaffirms its commitment to comply with all appropriate federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination.

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