On Monday, the City of Boulder’s Community Vitality Department released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a public art opportunity at the new Fire Station 2, which is being designed and will be built by 2028. The city said that it is requesting proposals from experienced artists or teams of artists to create a piece of three-dimensional, large-scale artwork, and also requested community input to help shape the creative direction of the piece.
A selection panel, made up of community members and arts professionals, will commission an “iconic sculptural artwork that functions as a visually striking gateway while honoring the values, history and landscape of Boulder.” The project budget is approximately $225,000, according to the city, which is funded through the city’s 1% for Art Policy.
The new fire station will be located in the same location as the current Fire Station 2 and is being designed to meet the City of Boulder’s long-term resilience goals. The redevelopment of the station will cost approximately $25 million.
“Not only are each of our stations a home for firefighters who serve this community, they are also a symbol of safety,” said Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Calderazzo in the city’s announcement. “This new station will improve the health and wellness of our firefighters, provide more efficient service to the city, and – with the inclusion of public art – reflect the pride and strength of our community.”
Because the artwork will be located in a “highly visible intersection on the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Broadway Avenue,” the city said that it will serve as a “gateway to the city and a landmark for a wide range of community members and visitors.”
Artists are encouraged to explore themes that could include the natural environment, sustainability, and resilience; the uniqueness of Boulder, including its history, geography, and culture; the relationship between wilderness and the built environment; protection, preservation, and awareness of civic/public space; or Boulder’s long history of public service, outdoor enthusiasm, and environmental stewardship. The city clarified that the artwork should not “invite physical interaction or encourage public gathering on fire station property.”
The city also clarified that applicants “must consider the long-term conservation and maintenance of the artwork, as it will be exposed to the Colorado climate and may be subject to vandalism.”
The request for submissions is a national call, open to all artists residing in the United States. Applicants can apply online by July 28 at 11:59 p.m. MST. In August, three finalists will be selected and given a $1,000 fee to create a “site-specific proposal and participate in an interview.” Then, this fall, an artist or artist team will be selected to create the installation. The installation is estimated to be completed in 2027, depending on the progress of construction.
