At The Library: Sparking Curiosity
Pauline Robinson Branch Library Renovations To Include Public Art
By Megan Deffner
Public Art Program Administrator,
Denver Arts and Venues
Denver Public Art has kicked off a new project at the Pauline Robinson Branch Library as part of the planned renovations happening this year. Because the renovation budget of the library is more than $1 million, the branch will be getting new public art.
As reported in these pages in October, the overall renovations at the Pauline Robinson Library will include an addition to the east side of the building that will include a 600 square-foot community room. Also planned are new public restrooms, two new study rooms, and a teen space. No firm dates have been set for the groundbreaking and construction, but library personnel expect it to begin in the second quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, the selection panel for the Public Art that will be installed at the library held its first meeting in November to talk about the goals and themes for the project, including a preferred location for the artwork, and potential media and materials. The emerging themes include the importance of recognizing Pauline Robinson’s contributions to Park Hill and the greater Denver community, artwork that highlights Black culture and its significance to the neighborhood, and artwork that is enriching and educational, sparks curiosity, and is welcoming, accessible and inclusive.
The selection panel is comprised of artists, arts professionals, civic leaders and other community members, including:
• 11 voting members.
• Two advisors, including a family member of Pauline Robinson.
• Four community representatives, including Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. board member Shanta Harrison-Sullivan.
• An artist from the community and an arts professional.
• Members of the design team, including Senior Librarian Leslie Williams.
• One member from the Public Art Committee and one member from the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs.
• A City Council District 8 representative.
This will be the library’s first commissioned piece under Denver Public Art. Over the next several months, the selection panel will refine and finalize the goals, advertise the call to artists, review applications, and ultimately select an artist from a small group who will be invited to create site-specific proposals. The selection process will take place over the next four to six months, after which the artist will work with the city to fabricate and install the artwork.
Once the Request for Proposals (RFP) is available, it will be available via the library’s website, social media, and on the Denver Arts and Venues website, www.DenverPublicArt.org.
The Public Art Program was established in 1988 as an Executive Order under Mayor Federico Peña. The order, enacted by the Denver City Council in 1991, directs that 1 percent of any capital improvement project over $1 million undertaken by the City be set aside for the inclusion of art.
Over the past 30 years these artworks, along with the historic and donated works of art, make up the City’s Public Art collection. The collection has expanded the opportunity for Denver residents to experience art in public places.
It is an exciting time for Pauline Robinson Branch Library. Stay tuned to learn more!
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and upcoming programs for both neighborhood libraries, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit.