Fitzsimons Innovation Community Teaching Artist for Public Mural

Overview

Fitzsimons Innovation Community (FIC) and Aurora Public Schools are partnering to foster meaningful engagement between students, educators, and the community through public art. FIC is seeking a teaching artist to guide a 12th grade class at Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus (Burrell Arts) through the collaborative creation of a mural on FIC's campus during the 2026/27 school year. The mural will celebrate FIC's mission and values while providing students with hands-on experience in the creative process, mentorship from a professional artist, and exposure to career pathways in the arts and creative industries.

Key Dates

• Call Opened: 8/31/26
• Submission Deadline: 9/20/26
• Evaluation and Selection: 9/21/26–9/28/26
• Artist Contracting: 9/29/26–10/5/26
• Kick-Off Meeting: Week of 10/5/26
• Classroom Sessions and Mural Design: October–November 2026
• Mural Design Presentation and Approval: November 2026–January 2027
• Student Presentation and Installation Prep: February–March 2027
• Mural Installation: April–May 2027

Eligibility

Local eligibility. Artist applicants must have prior teaching experience working with students in an education setting.

Media & Submission Requirements

• Images: 3–5
• Audio: 0–3
• Video: 0–3
• Total assets: 3–11
• Submit full name, biography, resume, artist statement (if applicable), website and social media handles, work samples, and proposed concept for teaching sessions and student engagement

Awards & Funding

• Partnership Program stipend: $25,000 (includes teaching artist fee, classroom presentations, mentorship, project execution, and materials)
• Separate art installation fund: $6,000 (prep, scaffolding, and installation; administered by NINE dot ARTS)

Program Mission & Guiding Principles

The partnership program aims to unify the FIC community through inspiring artwork that engages Burrell Arts in meaningful opportunities for professional development. Art projects should illuminate FIC's mission, vision, and impact; provide students with hands-on learning and professional development; and create lasting value through collaboration, education, and public art. Six guiding principles guide the program: Creative, Visually Striking & Meaningful, Localized Impact, Educational, Community-focused, and Collaborative.

Teaching Artist & Student Benefits

• Unique creative opportunities and student access to inspiring environments
• Funding and resources to support teaching artist work
• Networking and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Public engagement through workshops and public art projects
• Professional development through large-scale or mission-driven projects

Scoring Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on: Qualifications (does the artist demonstrate appropriate qualifications?); Adherence to Guiding Principles (does the proposal align with program principles?); Visual Impact & Engagement (is the portfolio visually striking and compelling?); Education (does the work invite interactivity and professional growth?); and Longevity (does the portfolio indicate murals with timeless appeal?).

Contact

• Email: [email protected]