Boulder arts commission recommends Android Jones for comp-plan projection mural

The Boulder Arts Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to recommend artist Android Jones to the city manager for a temporary, portable mural tied to the Boulder Valley comprehensive-plan series. Rachel King, the project presenter, told commissioners the commission-selected work will be a projected and panel-mounted mural intended for temporary installation at public events and later storage.

King said the project budget is $20,000 and the working image size was framed at roughly 10 by 50 feet. The selection process began from a 100-person mural roster and moved through a technical review committee and a standing selection panel; three finalists were invited to submit proposals and three proposals were received. Commissioners reviewed panel feedback on each finalist before making the recommendation.

Panel feedback summarized by staff found one finalist strong in symbolic content but not clearly tied to Boulder, another finalist (Android Jones) strong in digital and projection experience with vignettes that planners could adapt for printed elements, and a third finalist (Liz Meyer) described as human and community-grounded but missing a budget and detailed digital-component plan. Commissioners asked specific technical questions about projector specifications, file formats and whether the city should adopt standards for maintenance and deaccession of digital works.

King responded that the Experiments in Public Art program intentionally commissions temporary work and that lifespan and maintenance depend on changing technology; she said the vendor’s experience projecting large-scale works reduces the need for the city to purchase its own projection hardware for early showings. King also said the contract will address non‑exclusive use and that the city will retain design files for possible future use.

Next steps set by staff include contracting with the selected artist in January, beginning design the following month, fabrication in April–May and public presentations tied to the comp-plan unveiling at The Dairy on March 10 and a group exhibition at the library in June. King said staff will return to the commission with contract terms and specifications that aim to clarify technical requirements and any long-term stewardship obligations.

The commission’s recommendation now moves to the city manager for final approval and contracting.