Plains Conservation Center - Main Entrance - Aurora, CO

The City of Aurora, Colorado Art in Public Places Program seeks qualifications from Indigenous artists for the second of five public art commissions planned for the Plains Conservation Center. This opportunity calls for a three-dimensional public artwork that reflects the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of the shortgrass prairie while creating a meaningful visitor experience and serving as a distinctive landmark within the conservation center.

THE PROJECT

The City of Aurora, Colorado Art in Public Places Program seeks qualifications from Indigenous artists for the second of five public art commissions planned for the Plains Conservation Center.

The City of Aurora is seeking a three-dimensional public art installation that will serve as a welcoming gateway to the Plains Conservation Center and reflect the unique ecological, cultural, and historical significance of this protected shortgrass prairie landscape. Located at the primary entrance to the site, the selected artwork should create a memorable arrival experience while establishing a meaningful connection between visitors and the land they are entering.

The Main Entrance project will be located at the primary entry point to the Plains Conservation Center. As the first artwork visitors encounter, the installation should help establish a sense of place and provide a meaningful introduction to the broader site experience. Find videos of the site here.

Artists should consider:

• Visibility from approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
• The scale and context of the entrance environment.
• Integration with the surrounding landscape and site features.

The Plains Conservation Center is a place where visitors can explore the interconnected stories of the prairie ecosystem, wildlife, Indigenous peoples, and the generations of stewards who have cared for this landscape. The selected artwork should honor the land as a living presence and explore the relationship between people, earth, and place.

Artists are encouraged to consider how the artwork can welcome visitors into the landscape while reflecting themes of stewardship, connection, reciprocity, history, ecology, and the enduring relationship between communities and the natural world. The artwork may explore the idea that the land is at the heart of culture, identity, and community, and that "we are the land and the land is us."

The selected artwork should:

• Create a strong visual presence and sense of arrival at the Plains Conservation Center.
• Reflect the ecological and cultural significance of the prairie landscape.
• Encourage visitors to engage with and reflect on their relationship with the natural world.
• Complement the educational and conservation mission of the site.
• Reflect the artist's unique perspective, cultural knowledge, and artistic practice.

BACKGROUND

Plains Conservation Center

The Plains Conservation Center is a 1,100-acre nature preserve owned and operated by the City of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department. Located in southeastern Aurora, the center protects one of Colorado's remaining shortgrass prairie ecosystems and provides opportunities for environmental education, cultural interpretation, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.

The site serves as a living classroom where visitors can explore the interconnected stories of the land, ecology, wildlife, Indigenous peoples, and the generations of stewards who have shaped and cared for the prairie landscape. Through conservation, education, and public engagement, the Plains Conservation Center fosters an understanding of the relationship between people and the natural world while preserving this unique ecosystem for future generations.

More information can be found here.

About Aurora, CO

Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado, spanning three counties in the eastern Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area. Aurora embraces a highly diverse population of approximately 400,000 residents who enjoy access to quality education, Colorado's natural beauty and active lifestyle, and an array of cultural amenities within the context of a vibrant and growing community. Aurora is home to top national employers in aerospace and defense, bioscience, healthcare, and alternative energy.

Situated on prairie grasslands, rolling hills and the northern tip of the Black Forest, Aurora offers a unique quality of life that blends a traditional sense of community with a range of outdoor and leisure activities. Residents enjoy a wealth of opportunities and are proud to call Aurora home.

Application Materials

• 8-10 images/videos of relevant work. Do not submit conceptual proposals, renderings or AI images. They will not be reviewed.
• Professional resume not to exceed two pages
• Statement of Interest: (Why are you interested in this project? Connection with a federally recognized Tribal Nation.)
• Brief bio
• Open ONLY to artists who reside in United States and its Territories

Questions

Questions should be directed to publicart@auroragov.org

By submitting an application, artists will be added to the City of Aurora Public Art email list to receive notifications about future opportunities. Artists may opt out of these communications at any time.

Selection Process

Aurora’s Public Art Staff manages the selection process. All applications must be submitted through the CaFE System of Creative West. This application process is free. No hard copies will be accepted, and no applications should be submitted directly to public art staff. This is a call for artists who are members or descendants of a federally recognized Tribal Nation.

• Phase One: The Selection Panel will identify the most qualified applicants based on the selection criteria listed below. From this pool of submissions, three finalists will be selected.
• Phase Two: Three finalists will each receive a $900 honorarium to participate in an optional site visit, develop a formal proposal, and participate in a virtual interview. Finalists will receive a list of key stakeholders that can be contacted during the design research process. During the formal interviews (virtual), finalists will make their presentations and engage in a Q & A period.
• Phase Three: The Selection Panel will recommend the selected applicant to the Arts & Culture Commission for approval. Then the project will move through a multi-level approval process, culminating with City Council.

Selection Criteria

The ideal artist is:

• Comfortable working in the public sphere.
• Enjoys working with people.
• Has demonstrated experience creating exterior three-dimensional permanent works of art.
• Has demonstrated experience working on projects with budgets of $10,000 or greater.
• Living and working in the United States and its Territories.
• Demonstrates deep, documented ties to the local Indigenous community or history.
• Possesses verified expertise in specific cultural traditional tribal art forms or techniques.
• Presents a portfolio reflecting the specific cultural narratives of the regional tribes.
• Is a member or descendant of a federally recognized Tribal Nation. Finalists must submit an endorsement or certification from the tribal council or cultural preservation office of a federally recognized tribe.

Tentative Timeline

• Deadline for completed applications to be received: August 31, 2026 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
• Finalists notified: approx. week of September 14, 2026
• Finalists’ virtual presentations: approx. week of October 31, 2026
• Multi-level approval process completed: approx. November/December 2026

It is estimated that the work be completed and installed by approx. Q3/Q4 2027