Art in Public Space at CU Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States. Located against the dramatic backdrop of the Front Range of the Rockies, the Boulder campus provides a stunning stage for its unique architecture and well-designed landscape. The university also benefits from a public art collection that further complements and enhances its history and situation.

Having a public art program that celebrates the creative work of our scholars, our exceptional community and its unique history, location, diversity, challenges and aspirations is one to which this university is deeply committed.

Convening in early 2020, the Art in Public Space Committee will:

  • Advise the Chancellor on matters concerning public art
  • Develop and propose a vision for university public art that is specific to the University of Colorado Boulder
  • Develop and propose a strategy for implementing this vision, acquiring, maintaining, and de-accessioning public art through a practice of inclusive excellence
  • Catalogue existing public art on the CU Boulder campus
  • Develop and propose a long-term funding model for Art in Public Space at CU Boulder
  • Solicit input and make recommendations on proposals for new installations
  • Ensure meaningful and extensive collaboration with the university offices responsible when preparing recommendations to the Chancellor (i.e., Campus Master Planning Committee)
  • Work with colleagues in Infrastructure and Sustainability and Integrity, Safety and Compliance to ensure that proper installation, maintenance, safety concerns and ADA regulations are addressed and considered.
  • Develop procedures for submission and review by the committee and invited panelists
  • Engage campus units and communities impacted by and invested in specific public art proposals.
  • Create a campus community feedback mechanism to ensure the diverse voices of students, faculty and staff can inform evaluations and decisions.

Public Art Resources

  • Campus Use of University Facilities Policy – This policy is adopted pursuant to Laws of the Regents Article 14.B.3, which directs the Chancellor to adopt regulations and procedures governing the use of grounds, buildings, and facilities for the campuses.
  • University of Colorado Art Museum – The University of Colorado Art Museum provides a forum for exchanging ideas, inspiring collaboration and fueling imagination through art.
  • Facilities Management – Facilities Management is responsible for the overall physical development and maintenance of the campus. The mission of the department is to provide a safe physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge.

Related News

Feb. 20, 2020: Art in Public Space Committee, CU Boulder History Project get underway

Jan 17, 2020: Campus introduces new history project and standing art committee

Committee Membership

  • Dyonne Bergeron, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusion and Student Achievement
  • Sandra Firmin, CU Art Museum Director
  • Patrick Greaney, Professor of German and Humanities, Chair of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures
  • Donna Mejia, Associate Professor of Dance, Theatre and Dance
  • Karen Ramirez, Teaching Professor, CU Dialogues Program Director, CU Engage, School of Education, MASP Assistant Director
  • Yumi Roth, co-chair, Associate Professor of Sculpture, Art & Art History 
  • Ann Schmiesing, Executive Sponsor, Executive Vice Provost for Academic Resource Management, Professor of German
  • Michael Theodore, Associate Professor of Composition, Music
  • Mike Womack, co-chair, Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing, Art & Art History

Undergraduate Representative and Graduate Representative (TBD; nominees are being contacted)

Resources

  • Jon Leslie, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Communications Officer, Strategic Relations and Communications
  • Richelle Reilly, Campus Landscape Architect
  • Catherine Shea, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor