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

  

The project budget is $250,000 which must cover all expenses including artist fees, materials, tools, travel, transport, installation, and other associated costs. The City will provide up to an 8’ 8” diameter concrete pad and perimeter lighting. 

  
Artwork exhibited in Westminster, CO.

Downtown Westminster Signature Artwork

In its ninth year, the City of Westminster's Sculpture on Loan Program provides an opportunity for the community to learn about and enjoy art displayed in the Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden Park and as part of the Downtown Westminster Art Walk. The Sculpture on Loan Program provides an opportunity for artists to prominently display their artwork in unique areas of the City for the public to enjoy. 

To further the community's goals related to art and culture, the City of Westminster has made significant investments in the both Historic Westminster and 

Downtown Westminster. These areas have received investments in park amenities, marketing, and community events. The City markets the areas through the delivery of events designed to attract both local and regional attention which include the Summer Block Party, Arts Week, Art a la Carte, local community artisan festivals, summer history tours, and monthly art walks. 

Artists wishing to have their sculpture(s) installed and displayed in these venues should review the following requirements and submit an application along with the requested supplemental materials. Up to fourteen sculptures will be selected for display during the 2025-2026 Sculpture on Loan Program. Artists may submit more than one application.

Applications for the Sculpture on Loan Program will be reviewed by the City's Cultural Affairs staff and members of the city's Art Selection Panel with respect to materials, overall presentation, aesthetic quality of the artwork, craftsmanship, appropriateness of the artwork, maintenance requirements, and financial considerations. Additional review and input will be provided by the community at community events and through online engagement methods.

  
**Artwork Requirements:**

Sculptures should be garden size or larger with a minimum of 3 feet in one dimension. The artwork must be designed and fabricated for long-term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance, including strong winds. Acceptable materials include metal, stone, or similarly durable material; wood will not be accepted. Sculptures taller than 12 feet will need a certified engineer stamp of approval to be considered for installation in a public area. Artwork must be able to be welded or bolted to a metal display base, bolted to a concrete pad, or bolted to a sidewalk. 

  
**Display Requirements:**

The selected Artwork shall be on display for the duration of the 2025-2026 Sculpture on Loan Program period which is late May/early June 2025 through late May/early June 2026\. If the Artwork is removed (through sale or other reasons), a sculpture of equal or greater value, created by the Artist and approved by Cultural Affairs staff, shall be installed within 7 days of the original sculpture being removed. The Artist will be required to complete a signed Agreement and secure appropriate documentation and insurance for the replacement Artwork.

**Sales:**

All Artworks must be available for purchase. Sales will be encouraged to further the efforts of the artists and to stimulate acquisition of original art by patrons and the public. 

  
**Marketing:**

The displayed works will be regionally promoted through the use of print and digital platforms. The artist understands and agrees that these marketing methods shall be used for the period that the Artwork is on display. The displayed Artwork will also be promoted through events in Historic and Downtown Westminster.

  
**Calendar of Important Dates:**

Late May - Installation - Dates and times TBD

Late May/Early June 2025 through early May 2026 - Marketing and Promotion

Mid/Late May 2026 - Deinstallation of Artwork

The artists selected will receive a honorarium of $750 after acceptance and installation of the Artwork. 

  
Exhibition with City of Westminster's Sculpture on Loan Program.

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