Red Rocks Public Art Project

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create public artworks for Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The goal of the project is to incorporate permanent artwork into the park and amphitheatre, integrating natural and man-made areas at Red Rocks. The public art will serve to enhance the experience of those who visit Red Rocks but not detract from the natural landscape. The commission amount for an artist or artist team is $235,000.00 USD.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Public Art Project: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre  
Budget: Approximately $235,000.00 USD
Eligibility: Artists or Artist Teams residing in the United States 
DEADLINE: Monday, September 8, 2025, 11:59 P.M. MST

Introduction 

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create public artworks for Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The goal of the project is to incorporate permanent artwork into the park and amphitheatre, integrating natural and man-made areas at Red Rocks. The public art will serve to enhance the experience of those who visit Red Rocks but not detract from the natural landscape.

The commission amount for an artist or artist team is $235,000.00 USD.

A selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture professionals and civic leaders has been assembled to identify art opportunities and to select and recommend an artist or artist team for this project. The panel is seeking artists who work in mediums suitable for exterior spaces, that complement the natural surroundings of the park and the architecture of the amphitheatre (stone, metal, wood, etc.) for this project.

Denver Public Art is hosting a virtual pre-application meeting for interested applicants on Wednesday, August 27, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will cover project background and goals, and the application process for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Attendees will also receive information on CallForEntry.org through which artists may apply. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Interested applicants are asked to register to receive information on how to join prior to the event. If you cannot attend, a recording will be available on the Denver Arts & Venues Vimeo channel.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land Denver's Public Art Collection occupies - - land where we stand, live, work and learn -- is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. Our nation was founded upon and continues to enact exclusions and erasures of Indigenous Peoples. May this acknowledgement demonstrate a commitment to dismantling ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities as we intentionally honor and celebrate the Indigenous communities in our city and express our gratitude for their ongoing and significant contributions. Let's not forget that this land was theirs long before we made it ours.

About Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks was designated and officially opened on June 15, 1941. In the early 20th century, the land was purchased and developed as a recreational park. In 1928, the City of Denver bought the land in hopes of creating a public amenity. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established the now-historic CCC camp on the south side of the park in 1933 in anticipation of major construction. In 1936, Denver’s Mayor and the head of the parks department received approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to use the CCC to build the amphitheatre under the direction of the National Park Service. What was supposed to be a two-year project, took five years to complete. The seating area was constructed with 90,000 square feet of sandstone, and the amphitheatre was built with 800 tons of quarried stone and 30,000 pounds of reinforced steel.

As one of Colorado’s most spectacular settings, Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheatre unlike any other place in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the amphitheatre consists of two, 300-foot monoliths. The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years.

The majestic setting of the amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions.

Some of the rock formations in Red Rocks slope as much as 90 degrees, while others tilt backwards. The southern monolith, bearing resemblance to a ship, is named "Ship Rock." On the opposite side of the amphitheater stands "Creation Rock." Each of the monoliths are taller than Niagara Falls and Red Rocks Amphitheatre has world-wide recognition.

About the Trading Post 

Built in 1931, the Trading Post precedes the amphitheatre by a decade. It was designed by Denver architect W.R. Rosche and was built in a Pueblo Revival style to reflect Native American architecture of the American Southwest and to complement the surrounding landscape. The Trading Post was originally home to a museum that highlighted and exhibited the local flora, fauna and geology of the Denver Mountain Parks. In addition, the Trading Post sold a variety of concessions, antiques, and native objects. Today the Trading Post is a great place to shop for unique Red Rocks souvenirs, apparel and memorabilia.

Please read more at:
https://www.redrocksonline.com/our-story/

Goals, Site, Media & Materials

The selection panel members have set forth goals and parameters for this public art project with the hope of creating unique and seamlessly integrated artwork(s) for those who visit the park. Artists who have not yet received a public art commission are encouraged to apply.

Goals:

• Red Rocks is one of the most celebrated amphitheaters in the world and the panel is interested in artwork that creatively explores the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the park.
• Artwork(s) must be appropriate and unique to the park and amphitheatre and complement the natural surroundings. Artwork(s) must adhere to the guidelines developed for the inclusion of public art at Red Rocks. The guidelines include seven essential elements to consider for public art at Red Rocks and are included as an attachment to this RFQ.
• Artists are encouraged to explore ways to make the artwork accessible. While two of the three locations do not provide opportunities to touch the artwork(s), the panel is interested in creative ways to make the artwork as accessible to the diverse community that utilizes it for recreational and concert-going activities.
• Artists are encouraged to explore biophilic design strategies that support overall wellbeing through color, pattern and subject matter. Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities. Click here for a helpful resource guide on biophilic design principles.

Location: 

The selection panel has chosen three possible areas where the artwork could be located. Please see attached maps of possible sites for public art.

The artwork(s) will be located in “transitional” areas of the park, adjacent to man-made structures or pathways. Artwork may also be located in wholly man-made areas, so long as they do not impede vehicular or pedestrian access. No artwork will be placed inside buildings or attached to the exterior of buildings or other structures. Artwork(s) should not compete with natural or historical views. Red Rocks Park has strict rules limiting off-trail use, and artwork(s) should not encourage visitors to approach the artwork if it is located in a natural area.

Once selected as a finalist for the project, artists and/or artist teams will have the opportunity to select one or more sites for public art with final approval by Red Rocks staff and the Red Rocks Art Selection Panel.

Materials & Media: 

The selection panel is open to artwork in media and materials that complement the natural surroundings of the park and the architecture of the amphitheatre, including but not limited to, stone, rock, metal, wood, etc. Natural color palettes and patina of materials is encouraged. Artwork(s) will be placed outside, along transitional areas of the park, so durability and safety are major factors when considering media and materials.

Maintenance, Durability & Accessibility

This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection. All applicants must consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with time and budget. These projects are in the public realm and will be exposed to physical stresses as well as being subject to vandalism. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator prior to the submission of a final proposal. Awarded contracts will be reviewed by the City of Denver's Public Art Committee to ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. All finalists are expected to stay on budget and to complete work in an approved timeframe.

Budget

The budget for this commission is $235,000.00 USD which will be allocated to the artist/team selected. These funds come from the City of Denver’s 1 percent for Public Art Ordinance resulting from several renovation projects at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the art project including, but not limited to: the artist’s design fee, other consultation fees such as structural engineering consultation, insurance (including Colorado Workers Compensation), tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, contingency to cover unexpected expenses and any other associated costs. For all work done on city property, prevailing wage requirements will be applied.

Timeline

(Except for the online application deadline, the timeline is subject to adjustments)

Monday, September 8, 11:59 P.M. MST        Deadline for entry (via CaFÉ™ system)  
September/October 2025                              Finalist Selection  
November/December 2025                           Artist Selection and Notification

Artists must be available to attend two meetings, a community meeting with representatives from the selection panel and a technical meeting with representatives from the Denver Public Art Program, Denver Arts & Venues, and Denver Parks and Recreation. These two meetings will take place in September or October, and may be virtual, if necessary. The finalist presentation meeting will take place in late November or December and all artists must be available to present their concept proposals during this time.

Project Selection Panel

According to Denver's Public Art policy, the project selection panel plays an active role in the acquisition of public art for the City and County of Denver. The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre selection panel is comprised of 11 voting members. The selection panel is responsible for reviewing the site, establishing criteria for a request for qualifications, reviewing applications, selecting and interviewing finalists and finally for selecting an artist or artist team for the commission.  

Selection Process

1. Three to five artists/artist teams will be selected as finalists for the commissions. Those selected will receive more specific information regarding the sites and have the opportunity to meet with community members from the selection panel, Denver Public Art staff, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre staff, and Denver Mountain Park staff. Finalists will be asked to submit conceptual drawings for at least two of the three preferred locations.
2. The selection panel will review the proposals, interview the finalists and recommend an artist/artist team for the commission.
3. The final recommendation of the selection panel will be presented to the Public Art Committee, the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs and the Executive Director of Denver Arts & Venues for final approval.

*All decisions of the City and County of Denver are final.

Please direct all questions about the project to:
Megan Deffner, Public Art Program Administrator, Megan.Deffner@denvergov.org, (720) 365-9326.

Applying for these opportunities

In response to this RFQ, applicants will be asked to submit the following items via www.CallForEntry.org (CaFÉ™). 

1. Six to eight digital images of past work
2. Résumé
3. Statement of interest (no longer than 2,000 characters)

From these applications, the selection panel will choose three to five finalists who will be invited to create site-specific proposals and be interviewed in person or virtually. Artists will be paid an honorarium for this work. Artists/teams selected as finalists will be required to submit a Diversity & Inclusiveness Form for their proposals to be considered, which will be provided upon notification. As directed by Executive Order 101, this form must be submitted for all city solicitations of proposals. Denver Public Art staff can guide you in filling out this form. The selected artist or artist team will work with the Denver Public Art Program staff, Red Rocks staff, and Denver Mountain Parks staff when finalizing their designs for installation. 

Materials to be Submitted

Please read this section carefully. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. The applicant's name must appear on all materials submitted.

All materials must be submitted online, via the CaFÉ™ website (www.CallForEntry.org). There is no application fee to apply or to use the CaFÉ™ online application system.

Digital Images

To be considered for this project, the applicant must electronically submit six to eight digital images of previously completed artworks through the online CaFÉ™ system. Artists who wish to submit kinetic, sound or media works must submit a complete CaFÉ™ application and will have the opportunity to upload one video file.

IMPORTANT: If submitting audio or video files, do not use them as your very first image. They must be submitted last in your image sequence.

Instructions on how to format images to CaFÉ™ specifications can be found at https://www.callforentry.org/uploading-images-audio-and-video-files/. Assistance in using the CaFÉ™ system is available here: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

If an artist does not have access to a computer, s/he/they may call (720) 515-5768 to make arrangements to use a computer at Denver Arts & Venues.

To request this RFQ in an alternate format (such as Braille, large print, or accessible electronic format) please contact: DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org.

Statement of Interest

Please submit a statement (2,000 characters maximum) outlining the following:

• Why the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre public art project is of particular interest to you.
• Your design approach and experience working on public art projects.
• Information on your experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Résumé

Submit a one to two-page current résumé via CaFÉ™ that highlights your professional accomplishments as an artist. Please name your résumé file accordingly: Last name. First initial (i.e. Smith.J.pdf). Résumés that are more than two pages will not be downloaded. If applying as a team, please submit one résumé with no more than one page per team member.

Survey

Applicants will also be required to fill out a short demographic survey that will be part of the CaFÉ™ application.

References

Applicants who are selected to be finalists will be required to provide three professional references.

Who May Apply

This project is open to artists residing in the United States. Denver Arts & Venues is committed to building a public art collection that represents a broad diversity of artists and encourages applicants from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino/x, People of Color (BILPOC), people with disabilities, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexual, asexual, Two-Spirit+ (LGBTQIA2S+) communities. Denver Arts & Venues also encourages applicants at various stages in their careers and applicants that practice a variety of artistic disciplines.

Can a team apply?

Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. If applying as a team, please submit one résumé for the team with no more than one page per team member.

Denver Arts & Venues complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender or language. It is your right to request oral or written language assistance services in your primary language, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART or disability-related accommodations if needed. Please contact Denver Arts & Venues at DAVLanguageAccess@denvergov.org and these services will be provided to you free of charge.

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