REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Public Art Project: Rosamond Park
Budget: Approximately $95,000.00 USD
Eligibility: Artists or Artist Teams residing in the United States
DEADLINE: Monday, August 17, 2026, 11:59 P.M. MST

Introduction

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create public artworks for Rosamond Park. The goal of the project is to celebrate Rosamond Park’s identity by drawing from its natural landscape and lively community activities, appealing to all ages and reflecting the park’s diverse users. It should offer year-round visual interest, especially brightening the park in winter, while incorporating playful, delightful elements that spark curiosity and encourage moments of joy and discovery.

The commission amount for an artist or artist team is $95,000.00 USD.

A selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture professionals and civic leaders has been assembled to identify art opportunities and to select and recommend an artist or artist team for this project. The panel is seeking artists who work in mediums suitable for exterior spaces.

Denver Public Art is hosting a virtual pre-application meeting for interested applicants on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will cover project background and goals, and the application process for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Attendees will also receive information on CallForEntry.org through which artists may apply. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Interested applicants are asked to register to receive information on how to join prior to the event. If you cannot attend, a recording will be available on the Denver Arts & Venues YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@denverartsandvenues/

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land Denver's Public Art Collection occupies - - land where we stand, live, work and learn -- is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. Our nation was founded upon and continues to enact exclusions and erasures of Indigenous Peoples. May this acknowledgement demonstrate a commitment to dismantling ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities as we intentionally honor and celebrate the Indigenous communities in our city and express our gratitude for their ongoing and significant contributions. Let's not forget that this land was theirs long before we made it ours.

About the Hamden South Neighborhood

The Hampden South neighborhood sits in southeast Denver near the county line. Annexed and largely developed in the 1960s and 1970s, it is now a primarily residential area known for its spacious lots and welcoming feel. The community is served by three large parks—Southmoor, Rosamond, and Eastmoor—with Cherry Creek State Park close by, giving residents easy access to abundant parks, trails, and open spaces.

About Rosamond Park

Rosamond Park is a beloved neighborhood green space in southeast Denver, covering about 35 acres along the scenic, tree‑lined Goldsmith Gulch. It offers a modern playground, full basketball court, lighted tennis courts, open fields, and a paved walking loop. Recent improvements through the Elevate Denver and Rise Bond programs refreshed the playground, upgraded court surfaces and lighting, and added 30,000 square feet of water‑wise native landscaping. With its family‑friendly atmosphere, easy paths, and flexible open space, the park provides a peaceful, welcoming spot for everyday recreation and community enjoyment.

Goals, Site, Media & Materials

The selection panel members have set forth goals and parameters for this public art project with the hope of creating unique and seamlessly integrated artwork(s) for those who visit the park.

Goals

Create artwork that expresses and strengthens Rosamond Park’s identity, drawing inspiration from both its natural environment and the activities that take place there.
Ensure the artwork appeals to all ages and reflects the diversity of the park’s users, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
Provide visual interest year‑round, with particular emphasis on enhancing the park’s vibrancy and appeal during the winter months.
Incorporate elements of playfulness and delight, encouraging moments of joy, curiosity, and discovery for visitors.

Location

The selection panel has chosen one location where the artwork could be sited. It is visible from several vantage points, surrounded by accessible paths, and centrally located. Refer to the attached document for maps and photos of the location.

Materials & Media

The selection panel is open to all media and materials as long as they are suitable for outdoor display.

Maintenance & Durability & Accessibility

This artwork will become a permanent addition to the Denver Public Art collection. All applicants must consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with time and budget. These projects are in the public realm and will be exposed to physical stresses as well as being subject to vandalism. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator prior to the submission of a final proposal. Awarded contracts will be reviewed by the City of Denver's Public Art Committee to ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. All finalists are expected to stay on budget and to complete work in an approved timeframe.

Budget

The budget for this commission is $95,000.00 USD which will be allocated to the artist/team selected. These funds come from the City of Denver’s 1 percent for Public Art Ordinance resulting from construction of the new Rosamond Park. This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the art project including, but not limited to: the artist’s design fee, other consultation fees such as structural engineering consultation, insurance (including Colorado Workers Compensation), tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, contingency to cover unexpected expenses and any other associated costs. For all work done on city property, prevailing wage requirements will be applied.

Timeline

(Except for the online application deadline, the timeline is subject to adjustments)

Monday, August 17, 2026 11:59 P.M. MST Deadline for entry (via CaFÉ™ system)
September 2026 Finalist Selection
November / December 2026 Artist Selection and Notification

Artists must be available to attend two meetings, a community meeting with representatives from the selection panel and a technical meeting with representatives from the Denver Public Art Program and Denver Parks and Recreation. These two meetings will take place in September / October 2026, and may be virtual, if necessary. The finalist presentation meeting will take place in November and all artists must be available to present their concept proposals during this time.

Project Selection Panel

According to Denver's Public Art policy, the project selection panel plays an active role in the acquisition of public art for the City and County of Denver. The Rosamond Park selection panel is comprised of 9 voting members. The selection panel is responsible for reviewing the site, establishing criteria for a request for qualifications, reviewing applications, selecting and interviewing finalists and finally for selecting an artist or artist team for the commission.

Selection Process

Three to five artists/artist teams will be selected as finalists for the commissions. Those selected will receive more specific information regarding the park and potential sites and have the opportunity to meet with community members from the selection panel, and staff from Denver Public Art, and Denver Parks and Recreation.
The selection panel will review the proposals, interview the finalists and recommend an artist/artist team for the commission.
The final recommendation of the selection panel will be presented to the Public Art Committee, the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs and the Executive Director of Denver Arts & Venues for final approval.

*All decisions of the City and County of Denver are final.

Please direct all questions about the project to:
Megan Deffner, Public Art Program Administrator, Megan.Deffner@denvergov.org, (720) 365-9326.

Eligibility

National

Rosamond Park