Public Art in Milliken Park, Centennial Colorado RFQ

We invite artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the creation of a freestanding, durable and engaging public artwork that enhances the designated space through a celebration of community, history, and nature. The artwork should draw inspiration from the historic and cultural heritage of the area, honoring the stories, traditions, and identities that have shaped the local landscape. We envision a piece that encourages people to gather, interact, and connect, and or offer moments of quiet reflection and contemplation. The final work should serve as a meaningful and lasting landmark that resonates with the past, enriches the present, and inspires future generations.

Link to historical information about Pickletown:

https://www.museum.littletonco.gov/Research/Littleton-History/Other-Topics/Pickletown

Maintenance, security and safety will be considered when jurying proposals.

Call Description:

The South Suburban Public Art Committee invites artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the create freestanding, durable, engaging artwork that enhances Milliken Park. Three finalists will be invited to submit proposals for the creation of a durable and engaging public artwork that enhances the designated space through a celebration of community, history, and nature. The artwork should draw inspiration from the historic and cultural heritage of the area, honoring the stories, traditions, and identities that have shaped the local landscape. We envision a piece that encourages people to gather, interact, and connect and or offering moments of quiet reflection and contemplation. The final work should serve as a meaningful and lasting landmark—one that resonates with the past, enriches the present, and inspires future generations. 

Link to historical information about Pickletown:

https://www.museum.littletonco.gov/Research/Littleton-History/Other-Topics/Pickletown

Maintenance, security and safety will be considered when jurying proposals.

Budget:

This commission opportunity is a two-phase design process, beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will expand to an invitation and stipend-based Request for Proposal/Designs for three selected finalists. Finalists will be given a $600 honorarium to develop proposals. The artwork commission will be $50,000, inclusive of all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, and installation. The commissioned artist may need to hire electrical and structural engineers.

Milliken Improvement Project Scope:

The park is scheduled to undergo an improvement project to begin in spring 2026. The scope of this project encompasses improvements to the playground area, parking lot, ballfield and may include a rain garden to help with drainage. Proposed improvements to the playground area include new playground equipment, a twenty-foot-long western caterpillar with signage, poured-in-place safety surfacing, a larger shade pavilion upgraded to 20’ x 20’, and new accessible concrete walkways.  Additional improvements include supporting site amenities like new benches, trash receptacles, and an ADA drinking fountain with a dog bowl.

Location:

Milliken Park is located at 6445 S. Clarkson Street, Centennial, Colorado.

Size: Approximately 20.6 acres

Amenities:

• Playground
• Restrooms
• Picnic shelter
• Drinking fountain
• Parking lot
• Soccer and baseball fields

Activities:

• Walking, running, biking
• Sports like soccer and baseball

Interested artists or artist teams are required to submit the following deliverables:

• Letter of Interest: Brief statement outlining your interest in the project and relevant experience.
• Professional Resume or CV: Include public art experience, awards, education, and other relevant background.
• Portfolio of Past Work
  • 5 - 10 images of completed public artworks with descriptions including:
    • Title
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Location
    • Year completed
    • Budget (if applicable)

Each image should be labeled with the first and last name of the artist, the title of the work and number of the image. (e.g., Adam Smith_Invisible Hand_1)

• Professional References: Names and contact info for 2–3 individuals familiar with the artist’s work (e.g., commissioning agencies, curators, collaborators).
• Statement of Artistic Practice: A short narrative about the artist’s approach, themes, and materials.

This project is open to all artist(s) who have the background, experience and reputation for completing such a project.