City of Westminster - Three-Dimensional Totem Pole(s) or Vertical Three-Dimensional Artworks

The City of Westminster is seeking three-dimensional totem pole(s) or vertical artworks for installation in Kensington Park.  These artwork(s) will replace three carved totem-like pole art features which have been deaccessioned due to the deterioration of the artworks.  Submitted artwork(s) can be from an existing portfolio of an artist or team of artists or can be a proposal for a new design and fabrication by an artist or team of artists.

While this is an open call, City of Westminster encourages the submission of artworks designed and fabricated by indigenous artists of North America particularly peoples native to Colorado – including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations.  Design options are open but designs with traditional indigenous elements will only be accepted from indigenous artists.

The City of Westminster is seeking three-dimensional totem pole(s) or vertical artworks for installation in Kensington Park.  These artwork(s) will replace three carved totem-like pole art features which have been deaccessioned due to the deterioration of the artworks.  Submitted artwork(s) can be from an existing portfolio of an artist or team of artists existing portfolio or can be a proposal for a new design and fabrication by an artist or team of artists.

The goal of this project is to provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the artistic talents of indigenous peoples of North America.  The artwork(s) will also provide an opportunity to honor and celebrate the indigenous peoples native to Colorado—including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations. 

While this is an open call, City of Westminster encourages the submission of artworks designed and fabricated by indigenous artists of North America particularly peoples native to Colorado – including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations.  Design options are open but designs with traditional indigenous elements will only be accepted from indigenous artists.

Site Description:

• The artwork(s) will be installed in the Kensington Park, which is a neighborhood park located north of Standley Lake.
• The area available for the installation is 25 feet wide by 15 feet deep.
• The artwork(s) should fully encompass this area.
• This area will accommodate a single artwork or multiple artworks which are related to one another and which constitute a set.
• The city will provide the concrete pad for installation.

Installation Requirements:

• It is imperative that the artwork(s) be safely secured to the concrete installation pad to ensure long-term installation viability, safety, and wind load/resistance. An engineer’s stamp will be required to satisfy these safety requirements.
• The artist will be responsible for determining the needs associated with securing the artwork(s) to the base including the provision of engineered drawings.
• If requested, the city may assist with securing the artwork(s) to the base working with recommendations of the artist(s) and engineering requirements.
• The artwork(s) will be bolted to the concrete pad.  Or, if requested, the city can prepare metal plates for welding artwork(s) to the concrete base.
• The artist will provide a long-term maintenance plan and cost estimate that addresses the artwork(s) and their connection to the installation pad/site.

Submission Criteria: 

• Three-dimensional totem pole(s) or three-dimensional vertical artwork(s) suitable for outdoor public display.
• Artwork(s) must honor and celebrate the Indigenous People native to Colorado – including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations.  Work using traditional indigenous elements will only be accepted from indigenous artists.
• The artwork(s) should offer a meaningful, respectful educational experience.
• Artwork(s) must fully encompass the display area.  If multiple artwork(s) are submitted for consideration they must relate to each other or constitute a set.
• Artwork(s) may range from 4 feet to 12 feet in height.
• Artwork(s) should offer a meaningful, respectful educational experience.
• Colorful artwork(s) telling a community story using symbols that portray the Westminster community and other nature-related features are preferred.
• All elements of the artworks must be constructed of sustainable products such as wood, metal or concrete.
• To ensure long-term viability of the artwork(s), the artwork(s) must have a metal base for the connection to the installation pad.
• Artwork(s) must be able to withstand the elements with little to no annual maintenance.

Submission Types:

There are two options for submittals:

• Submissions can include pieces from the existing portfolio of an artist or team of artists.
   
• Submissions can include the option to create new concept(s) for artwork(s) which will be designed and fabricated by the artist or team of artists. 
   
• If submitting existing work, please submit a minimum of three photos of the artwork(s), a link to an online portfolio, a written description of the story and purpose of the artwork(s) from the perspective of the artist or team, a biography of the artist or team, and information about the installation needs of the artwork(s).  For this option, three artists or teams of artists will be invited to move forward in the selection process.
   
• If submitting a new design concept, please include links to existing work for comparison, a written description of the new proposal which includes the story and purpose of the artwork(s), a simple sketch of the proposal, a biography of the artist or team of artists, and information about the installation needs of the artwork(s). For this option, three artists, or teams of artists will be invited to move forward in the development of a design concept.  These three artists, or teams of artists, will receive a $1,000 stipend for their design concept.  Please note that if the artist is selected through this process, the artist or team of artists will be responsible for fabrication, transportation and installation of the artwork(s) within the identified budget.

Project Budget:

Project budget is $60,000 which covers all costs, including fabrication, transportation and installation.

Timeline:

• July 2, 2025 - Call for Entry posted
• August 3, 2025 - Call for Entry closes
• August 25, 2025 Finalists Notified
• September-  Kensington Open House #3 and #4.  These open houses build on the two that were held in ealry 2025.
• Late September/Early October - Final selection
• TBD - Installation based on availability, fabrication and/or installation needs.

Please note: While we strive to adhere to this timeline, dates are subject to change based on project needs and review processes. Updates will be communicated promptly.

Selection Process:

The selection process will follow the guidelines established in the Westminster Public Art Policy and Arts and Culture Master Plan:

1. Artist and Art Selection Panel: The City of Westminster will use an Artist and Art Selection Panel to create two shortlists (see details in #2 below).  This Panel will include a diverse group of stakeholders including project management staff and community members.  The Panel members will review submissions based on qualifications and artist statements that are provided through submissions via Cafe and this call for entry.
2. Shortlisting: The Panel will identify two shortlists.
   1. One shortlist of three submitted artwork(s).
   2. One shortlist of three artists or team of artists who wish to submit a concept proposal in response to this call for entry.
3. Concept Development Option: For artists or teams of artists pursuing the concept development option, a maximum of three artists or teams of artists will be asked to develop one or more concepts based on the scope of the project as identified in this call for entry. Artists/teams of artists will receive a $1,000 stipend for concept development and will be required to present concepts to the Artist and Art Selection Panel via a virtual meeting using the Teams meeting platform.
4. Final Selection: After interviews, presentations, and input from the community at community events, the Artist and Art Selection Panel will recommend a finalist.

Additional notes:

The City of Westminster reserves the right to pause or discontinue the project. The city may choose to engage multiple artists as part of this project. The city reserves the right to make no selection if no suitable candidate is identified.

The City of Westminster looks forward to seeing your qualifications and collaborating on this exciting project!

 Application Requirements

Interested artists should submit an application through Café to be comprised of the following: 

1. Professional Resume/CV: Limit 3 pages, including name, address, phone number, and email.
2. Link to Online Portfolio:  Please provide a link to your online artistic portfolio.  This can include websites or social media platforms.
3. Letter of Interest: Provide a brief statement (approx.. 1,000 words) outlining your interest in this project and relevant experience public art as outlined in this call for entry. In this statement, please include a written description of the story and purpose of the artwork(s) from the perspective of the artist or team, a biography of the artist or team, and information about the installation needs of the artwork(s).
4. Portfolio: Provide 3-12 images of past projects relevant to this project. Include an annotated image list with titles, dimensions, materials, date, location, project budget, and commissioning entity if applicable.
5. References: Provide contact information for three professional references for similar public artwork.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to experienced artists aged 18 years or older.  

While this is an open call, City of Westminster encourages the submission of artworks designed and fabricated by indigenous artists of North America particularly peoples native to Colorado – including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations.  Design options are open but designs with traditional indigenous elements will only be accepted from indigenous artists.