Thornton Public Art

Artist Application: Public art opportunities are posted online on Call for Entry and are publicized through City newsletters and social media channels. The project goals, timeline, and budget are available on Call for Entry. 

Early-career and experienced public artists are welcome to apply. Applicants are encouraged to work with other artists, fabrication studios, engineers, or businesses meet the specialized skills or public art experience necessary for creating a successful piece of art.

Artist applications require photos of comparable pieces and short written statements about themselves or their work. Artists may also be asked about their connection to Thornton or their interest in this specific public art project. Artists are not asked to submit concept designs unless they are selected as a finalist.

The City does not accept art submissions or purchase artwork outside of the competitive public art process.

First Review - Artist Portfolios: A volunteer Public Art Review Panel forms for each public art project. The panel includes Thornton residents, business owners, educators, artists, and individuals with personal or professional interest in public art. A new Public Art Review Panel forms for each public art project. To learn more or to sign up for future volunteer opportunities, visit the Volunteer Thornton webpage. 

The volunteer panel reviews artist submissions. The panel looks at the materials, style, and size of the artists' previous pieces, and any experience or qualifications that could be relevant. The panel scores artist submissions and selects up to three artists or teams of artists as "finalists." The finalists are paid an honorarium to create design proposals, budgets, and their projected timeline for completion. 

If no qualified artists are identified, the panel may recommend reopening the application for submissions from additional artists. This is uncommon.

Second Review - Artist Proposals: The finalists present their design proposals to the Public Art Review Panel. The panel reviews the designs as presented and asks clarifying questions, but does not request changes to the proposed art. The top design proposal is identified based on factors including: 

• Artistic quality and feasibility
• Ability to meet the project goals
• Ability to meet project deadlines within budget

The Public Art Review Panel's recommendation is submitted to the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council (TASHCO) at the board's monthly meeting. TASHCO votes whether to recommend the project to City Council.

The TASHCO recommendation is presented to City Council at a public meeting. City Council votes whether to approve the proposed art.

Upon City Council approval, the project moves forward to contracts. Artist work may begin after a contract and appropriate insurance is in place.