Art on Loan: Tallyn's Reach Library - Aurora, CO

THE PROJECT

The City of Aurora, CO is seeking completed artworks for temporary, multi-month exhibitions at Tallyn’s Reach Library for the 2027 exhibition cycle.

The gallery wall is nearby the entrance of the library with a dedicated gallery space for the artwork, providing an excellent opportunity to view artwork on public.

Wall Measurements: 1st floor, gallery wall. Will hold 4-8 artworks depending on size.

• Height:8’
• Width: 21’ 3 Inches

Exhibition Honorarium: $150

The honorarium is intended to offset the cost of transportation, signage, installation, insurance, and any other costs associated with this project.

 Materials

Materials must be durable and appropriate for interior hanging, and must be able to be hung on an hanging wire system to be viewed.

Maybe include how many pieces it may hold (In Loaned Art Policies)

BACKGROUND

Tallyn’s Reach Library serves as a community hub in southeast Aurora, providing residents with access to educational resources, technology, public programs, and gathering spaces. As part of the Aurora Public Library system, it supports learning, connection, and engagement for residents of all ages.

The library includes spaces for reading, study, community programs, and public gatherings, providing opportunities for residents to learn, collaborate, and participate in cultural and educational activities.

Tallyn’s Reach Library also serves as an important setting for Aurora’s Public Art and Cultural Programming. Artwork throughout the Library creates opportunities for visitors to experience the work of local and regional artists while engaging with the library and the surrounding community

• The artwork should not:
• Conflict with City Council Goals and Objectives, city programs, city policies and community well-being.
• Promote hostility, violence, hatred, or discrimination
• Promote the use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, or prescription medication.
• Promote illegal activity.
• Promote one religion’s beliefs or religious organizations over another.
• Promote, favor, or oppose the candidacy of any candidate for election to public office, a political party, public interest campaign, or a ballot question.

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

• 4-10 images/videos of completed work. Do not submit conceptual proposals, renderings or AI images. They will not be reviewed[AP1] .  The listed completed works will be the works eligible for display
• Professional resume not to exceed two pages
• Statement of Interest: (Why are you interested in exhibiting your work here? This may include personal, professional, cultural, or experiential ties that inform your perspective as an artist.)
• Brief bio.
• Preferred Exhibition Slots.
• Open ONLY to artists who reside in Colorado.

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 AND MATERIALS

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 state-wide call for artists residing in Colorado.

Phase One: The Selection Panel will identify the most qualified applicants based on the selection criteria listed below. From this pool of submissions, four finalists will be selected to show work.

Phase Two: The Selection Panel will recommend the selected applicant to the Arts & Culture Commission for approval.

Initial Selection Criteria

The ideal artist:

• Comfortable working in the public sphere.
• Enjoys working with people.
• Has a complete portfolio of hang-ready works of art.
• Lives and work in Colorado. Note: Artists who have a connection to Aurora are encouraged to apply for this project.

Tentative Timeline

• Deadline for completed applications to be received: September 21, 2026, 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
• Finalists notified: approx. week of September 25th, 2026
• Multi-level approval process completed: week of October 6th
• It is desirable that the work be completed and installed by January-March, April-May, August-September or October-December dependent on preference