Red Rocks is beautiful. But is it beautiful enough?
On Thursday, the park put out a request for qualifications (RFQ) to the public for a new permanent or semi-permanent art installation for “transitional areas of the park” that would help blend the area’s natural and man-made elements.
Red Rocks will commission the winning selection for a cool $65,000. The commission is a result of the city of Denver’s One Percent for Art ordinance, which states that one percent of Capital Improvement Budgets be put towards public art.
The park’s vision for the new installation is open ended. From a release on the project:
The selection panel seeks one-of-a-kind artwork(s) appropriate for Red Rocks, and for the diverse community that utilizes it for recreational and concert-going activities. The artwork should respect the natural scenery, and speak to the history and geology of the site. The artwork(s) should also provide a sense of excitement and discovery. The artwork(s) can be interactive or kinetic.
Yeah, you’re probably thinking what we’re thinking: A series of The Thing-like rock men posted up along the trail from the parking lots to Red Rocks Amphitheatre holding up signs with facts about Red Rocks on them. But that idea is taken. Get your own.
The application period ends on April 27 at 11:59 p.m. The semifinalists will be selected in May. The finalist will be picked in July, and notified in August.
The one stipulation: You must be a Colorado resident to be eligible to enter.
You can find out more information on the RFQ and submit your application here.