Art in Public Places

Art in Public Places Program Summary Art in Public Places commissions artwork for people to enjoy in publicly accessible areas inside and outside of state buildings. Colorado law requires 1% of the State’s capital construction funds for new or renovated state buildings to pay for works of art. These art acquisitions form the state art collection. Art in Public Places works show diversity in techniques. Art in Public Places’ goal is to merge the art experience into public spaces. We support public art because it: Provides access to art for all people. Activates public and underused spaces in interesting ways through creative placemaking. Grows civic pride and connection to the community. Supports artists, including local artists. Adds human-scale to larger spaces. Invites experiences and interactivity for people walking. Illustrates or reflects a story or history of the space. Improves wayfinding. State of Colorado Public Art Collection Database Overview Type:  Call for entry For:  Creatives and artists Amount: Varies by project Application deadline: Varies by project OEDIT division:  Colorado Creative Industries Expand All Current public art call for artists in Colorado Qualifications are requested from artists interested in creating an artwork or artworks for the interior and/or exterior of Trinidad State College’s Valley Campus Main Building in Alamosa, Colorado. Multiple artworks will be commissioned, by one or more artists, and the total funding available is up to $105,000 . The deadline for submission is May 27, 2026 . Learn more: Request for Qualifications - Trinidad State College, Valley Campus Building (Google Doc) . Apply: Request for Qualifications: Trinidad State College, Valley Campus Building, CallforEntry.org . Qualifications are requested from artists interested in creating an artwork or artworks for the interior and/or exterior of Auraria Higher Education Center’s new Campus Safety Center. The total funding available is up to $225,000. The deadline for submission is May 29, 2026. Learn more: Request for Qualifications: Auraria Higher Education Center, Campus Safety Center (Google Doc) . Apply: Request for Qualifications: Auraria Higher Education Center, Campus Safety Center, CallforEntry.org . Public art programs across Colorado There are over 40 public art programs throughout Colorado. Many municipalities require public art to be included with any major capital construction project. Many communities have both an ordinance and a rotating collection of sculptures-on-loan in downtown areas and city parks. Resources for artists and communities Call for Entry (CaFÉ) Artists can find public art visual arts competitions, and other opportunities. Organizations can build a call for artists, manage applications, and jury submissions. Public Art and Placemaking Toolkit for Rural Communities This toolkit has resources for best amplifying your art and placemaking activities. Americans for the Arts: Public Art Network The network supports a variety of individuals and organizations in the field of public art with strategies and tools to improve communities. Submit a call for entry If you have an opportunity for Colorado artists please use the form below. We will review the opportunity and promote it on social media and our monthly newsletter at our discretion. Program Impact Over 40 years in operation Over 600 purchased or commissioned artworks Over $12 million to support artists Over 300 artists participated Program Manager Submitted by Ruth Wilson Administration and Partnerships Director 303-880-6671 Email Ruth Connect Further Related Programs Colorado Change Leader Program Creative Capitol Exhibition Sign up for email updates Sign up for email updates from Colorado Creative Industries. View All Programs

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