downtown westminster signature artwork

The City of Westminster is seeking to commission a permanent, significant public artwork to be placed in the newly emerging downtown area. This artwork will serve as a signature element of the downtown and be positioned at a prominent location within the Westminster Center Park which is currently under construction. The goals for this public artwork are to foster a sense of place, create a unique identity for the area, and strengthen community connections. We are inviting experienced artists or teams of artists to submit responses to this Request for Qualifications. The anticipated installation date for this public artwork is Spring/Summer of 2026.

Project Description

The City of Westminster seeks a forward-thinking, unique, and monumental piece of public art that will serve as a symbol of the city's progress, inspire community pride, and become a community and regional landmark. This public artwork should be:

• Welcoming and vibrant, creating an impactful first impression.
• Highly visible and significant in scale, with a commanding presence that is visible from all approaches to the downtown.
• Reflective of Westminster's future and past, embodying energy, progress, and innovation and a nod to our past by incorporating elements of flight and a shared community gathering place. See additional materials for more information.
• An extension of the vision for Downtown Westminster, the Downtown Specific Plan, adopted by City Council, sets a vision for downtown as a vibrant community gathering space. See additional materials for more information.
• A striking visual statement that leaves a lasting impression and becomes a must-see landmark.

Artwork Design and Safety Guidelines

The artwork should:

• Be durable, safe, and require minimal maintenance.
• Be fabricated with permanent, weather-resistant materials.
• Be visible and engaging from all entry points to the downtown, both day and night.
• Be large enough to dominate the central space of the downtown. Dimensions should align with the scale of the downtown park and plaza to ensure a bold and prominent presence. See additional materials for more information.
• Be encouraging of pedestrian interaction with the artwork.
• Be family friendly and provide consistent messaging with the City’s adopted plans and polices.
• Include an integrated lighting plan that enhances the artwork's visibility and aesthetic appeal at night. The night-time view should be given equal importance in the design process to create a compelling visual experience during all hours.
• Have all necessary engineering certifications to ensure safety requirements are met.

The downtown park is scheduled for completion in the spring/summer of 2026. The artwork should be ready for installation concurrently with the final completion of the downtown park.

Timeline

• Shortlist Notification: April 28, 2025
• Concept Proposal Development: April 28 - May 28, 2025
• Concept Proposals Due: May 28, 2025
• Presentation of Concepts to Artist and Art Selection Panel: Week of June 2
• Community Presentation of Concepts:
• Open House with Downtown Westminster Business Association – Date TBD
• Other opportunities TBD
• Final Selection & Concept Approval: June 16, 2025
• Installation Deadline: Spring/Early Summer 2026