New artwork may soon be on display for the millions of annual travelers to and through Denver International Airport (DEN). Out of more than 300 submissions, three new eye-catching, sizeable and innovative works of art were chosen by a selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture professionals, and civic leaders. The art pieces will be located within Denver International Airport’s (DEN) gate expansion areas, on the west side of Concourse A, the west side of Concourse B and the east side of Concourse C.
“Art is a big part of what DEN offers our passengers, and many would say it’s what we’re known for,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “Through critical work, like the Gate Expansion Program, we are able to increase our gate capacity by 30 percent creating new, light and functional spaces for our passengers. These three artists are going to enhance these spaces further by adding beautiful and intriguing new artwork to create an even better experience for travelers.”
The contracts for the three selected artists are pending full Denver City Council approval. The $2.3 billion Gate Expansion Program extended all three concourses and built 39 new gates, new shops, restaurants and created space for new permanent art to live. The program also generated funds for the new artwork – the City of Denver’s Public Art Policy dictates any Capital Improvement Project with a budget equal or more than $1M, 1 percent of the total construction budget is set aside for the inclusion of new public artworks.
The three artists selected and locations of their artwork:
“Dance the Sky Softly,” by artist Benjamin Ball
• Artwork location: Concourse A-West
• Artwork dimensions: 512’ L x 50’W x 16’H
• Project budget: $2.5M
• Medium: Stainless steel ball chain and epoxy enamel
“The Cosmology of Flight,” by artist Kipp Kobayashi
- Artwork location: Concourse B-West
- Artwork dimensions: 140’ L x 23’W x 18’H
- Project budget: $2.5M
- Medium: Welded stainless-steel mesh
“The Constellations,” by artist Danielle Roney
- Artwork location: Concourse C-East atriums
- Artwork dimensions: Two suspended sculptures within atriums; 38’ W x 36’H x 15’H
- Project budget: $2.5M
- Medium: Powder coated stainless steel, LEDs and glass
DEN is not funded by taxpayer dollars; this new art ismade possible through airport generated funds. The total cost for all three pieces is $7,412,954. These artworks will be available for our passengers to enjoy by 2026.
New artwork is also coming to Concourse B-east and was awarded to local artist Thomas “Detour” Evans. His sculpture, “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” will be completed and available for passengers to view by 2025.
