Plains Conservation Center Prairie Meander commission RFQ (Indigenous artists)

The opportunity

Outdoor three-dimensional artwork integrated into the 1,100-acre shortgrass prairie preserve, exploring land, people, ecology, history and movement, in durable exterior materials; the fourth of five planned site commissions. The RFQ asks for 8–10 images, resume, statement and bio; no proposals or AI images. Finalists notified about the week of December 7, 2026; installation about Q3 2027.

Who can apply

Members of the 51 federally recognized Tribal Nations associated with Colorado, and artists from Tribal communities relocated to the Denver metro area under the Indian Relocation Act of 1956; U.S. and territories residents only. Finalists submit a tribal council or cultural preservation office endorsement. Criteria include outdoor large-scale 3D experience and projects of $10,000 or more. One ideal-artist criterion says member or descendant, whereas the opening eligibility specifically says members; nonmember descendant eligibility needs issuer clarification rather than automatic inclusion.

Funding & costs

The issuer-posted CaFE header lists $45,000 without an itemized cost scope. Three finalists each receive $450 for optional site visit, proposal and virtual interview; whether those payments are inside or outside the listed project figure is unstated.

Application fee: 0