Public Art Consignment 2 years Town of Basalt, Colorado

The Town of Basalt is seeking SCULPTURE installations for a two-year consignment period.  With guidance from BPAC, to enhance vitality and a sense of place within Basalt’s commercial districts through the installation of outdoor art. 

The art will be installed for two-years with an option for the Town to extend the display or purchase the art piece for its permanent collection.  $1500 Honorarium to selected Artist to help with upfront cost associated with materials, transportation, hotel, fuel, and installation.  

The deadline to apply is May 1st, and there is no fee to apply.  Artists must be at least 18 years of age to enter. Ideally, the artist will have experience with the materials proposed for the sculpture and can provide examples of work.  Local, regional, and Colorado-based artists will be given priority. 

The Town of Basalt, through the Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC), is pleased to announce this Call to Artists. The Town is accepting proposals through May 1, 2026, for a two-year Art Consignment Agreement. There is no fee to enter a submission. 

Location: Basalt is a small town within the Roaring Fork Valley with a population of just under 4,000 residents. Basalt is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Aspen and 21 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs.  The designated sculpture locations will be in the West Basalt location also known as Willits Town Center.  

Scope of Work • The Artwork will remain in place for a two-year term unless an extension is agreed upon between the Town of Basalt and the Artist. After the term expiration the artist will coordinate the removal of the sculpture with the Town. • If the artwork is purchased while on display with the Town, the Artwork shall remain on site for the duration of the Art Consignment Agreement. • Town Staff and artist will coordinate to install the artwork onto marble blocks affixed with iron plates and/or bolts. • The artwork must be able to withstand Basalt’s climate and weather. • All artwork must be appropriate for all ages. • The installation should require no maintenance during its time on display with the Town of Basalt. • Artwork that is fragile, dangerous, or otherwise incompatible with the display site will not be considered for the Art Consignment program.

 Artist Responsibilities: • Executed Contract with the Town for Art Consignment Agreement. • Transportation of the artwork to and from the site. • Assistance with installation. • Must have sole ownership and rights to the artwork. • The artist shall pay sales tax on purchase price.

Town of Basalt Responsibilities: • If necessary and within the Town’s ability, the Town will provide the equipment needed for the installation and removal of the art piece. • Plaque with Title, Artist Name, Date, BPAC logo, QR code to website providing information about the artist and the piece. • Liability insurance for the exhibition site and for the selected artwork. 

Timeline: The following table outlines critical dates for the project. Any updates will be shared with the applicants and notice will be provided on the Town’s website. Call to Artists March 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026.  BPAC will meet to select the shortlist of potential artists/sculptures on May 6, 2026.   Anticipated installation date June 1 –  July 31 2026 

About the Sculpture: 

1. The size and scale of the proposed art piece shall be appropriate in relation to the site. Artwork sizes varying from 1’ to 15 ft for height, with a width of 1’ to 6 ft.
2. Materials. The art piece shall be crafted of materials that are appropriate to withstand Basalt’s weather and Colorado’s mountain climate. Materials must be touchable, free of sharp surfaces or angles, and not highly reflective.
3. Maintenance. The art piece shall be maintenance free or require minimal maintenance during the 2-year consignment.

Proposal Requirements: The artist shall provide a detailed representation of the art piece as a rendering or photographic image including detailed dimension measurements of the piece. The artist shall describe the materials used and the dimension of the proposed sculpture. The artist should include any available references, as well as website or social media accounts where examples of work can be viewed. 

Questions/Answers: Artists shall submit any questions to Brent Compton, the Public Art and Community Events Manager for the Town of Basalt. A list of questions and responses will be made available to all artists that indicate a desire to apply and will be posted on the Town’s website at www.basalt.net on March 1, 2026.  

Submission of Proposed Sculpture Proposals will be received until 5:00 pm on May 1, 2026. Materials may be submitted in the following ways: 

1. Email : Brent.compton@basalt.net 

2. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjhYZj-GGYvS0uULmNaCKu1edaW8OUrJI5Dyzes5EYz4cEag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105277315428302077176

3. USPS, FedEx or UPS: Brent Compton c/o Town of Basalt, 101 Midland Avenue, Basalt CO 81621

 4. Hand delivery to Brent Compton, Town of Basalt, 99 Midland Avenue, Basalt CO 81621 

Proposal Requirements:

 The artist shall provide a detailed representation of the artwork as a rendering or photographic image including detailed dimension measurements of the artwork. The successful submission will be reviewed by BPAC and Town Staff.  The artist shall describe the materials used and the dimension of the proposed sculpture. The artist shall provide a full outline of the budget with the cost of delivery and installation broken out. The artist should include any available references, as well as website or social media accounts where examples of work can be viewed. While not required, it is strongly recommended that the artist visits the site and the downtown Basalt area. 

 Artists must be at least 18 years of age to enter. Ideally the artist will have experience with working with the materials proposed for the sculpture and can provide examples of work. Local, regional, or artists located within the state of Colorado will be given priority.

 Art Consignment Agreement: The Art Consignment Agreement is a two-year contract to locate artwork on a designated Town owned location. The artwork will be promoted by the Basalt Public Arts Commission website and on the Town’s social media. Any artist entering into the Art Consignment Agreement recognizes the mutual benefits of having art work displayed in public areas, the promotion of public art, and the related opportunities to sell pieces on public display.  The Artist will be paid 100% of the consignment purchase.