Program Summary
Art in Public Places commissions artwork for people to enjoy in publicly accessible areas inside and outside of state buildings. Colorado law requires 1% of the State’s capital construction funds for new or renovated state buildings to pay for works of art. These art acquisitions form the state art collection.
Art in Public Places works show diversity in style, imagery, materials, and techniques. Art in Public Places’ goal is to merge the art experience into public spaces.
We support public art because it:
- Provides access to art for all people.
- Activates public and underused spaces in interesting ways through creative placemaking.
- Grows civic pride and connection to the community.
- Supports artists, including local artists.
- Adds human-scale to larger spaces.
- Invites experiences and interactivity for people walking.
- Illustrates or reflects a story or history of the space.
- Improves wayfinding.
Overview
Type: Call for entry
For: Creatives and artists
Amount: Varies by project
Application deadline: Varies by project
OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries
CSU - Clark Building
Budget: Up to $280,000
Deadline: April 28, 2025
Learn more: Request for Qualifications - CSU, Clark Building (Google Doc)
Apply: Call for Entry - RFQ: CSU, Clark Building
Colorado Mental Health Hospital, Fort Logan
Budget: Up to $78,000
Deadline: May 5, 2025
Learn More: Request for Qualifications - CO Mental Health Hospital (Google Doc)
Apply: Call for Entry - RFQ: CO Mental Health Hospital
Western Colorado University, Hurst Hall Renovation
Budget: Up to $19,000
Deadline: May 5, 2025
Learn More: Request for Qualifications - Western Colorado University, Hurst Hall Renovation (Google doc)
Apply: Call for Entry - RFQ: Western Colorado University, Hurst Hall Renovation
University of Northern Colorado, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Budget: Up to $840,000
Deadline: May 19, 2025
Learn More: Request for Qualifications - University of Northern Colorado, College of Osteopathic Medicine (Google doc)
Apply: Call for Entry - RFQ: University of Northern Colorado, College of Osteopathic Medicine
There are over 40 public art programs throughout Colorado. Many municipalities require public art to be included with any major capital construction project. Many communities have both an ordinance and a rotating collection of sculptures-on-loan in downtown areas and city parks.
Call for Entry (CaFÉ)
Artists can find public art projects, fellowships, juried visual arts competitions, and other opportunities. Organizations can build a call for artists, manage applications, and jury submissions.
Public Art and Placemaking Toolkit for Rural Communities
This toolkit has resources for best practices, planning, community engagement, funding, launching, installing, and amplifying your art and placemaking activities.
Americans for the Arts: Public Art Network
The network supports a variety of individuals and organizations in the field of public art with strategies and tools to improve communities.
Program Impact
Over 40
years in operation
Over 600
purchased or commissioned artworks
Over $12 million
to support artists
Over 300
artists participated
Program Manager
