The City of Salida Public Art Commission is seeking unique and distinctive art to beautify the many trash and utility boxes placed within the city through the selection of original designs from area artists.  The selected designs will be printed on vinyl and will cover the boxes. A third-party design fabricator will be used to print the vinyl wraps.  

Artists are encouraged to steer away from common iconography that is already heavily used within the City of Salida and explore original avenues. The use of bright and vibrant colors is highly encouraged, and the design should add to the vibrancy of our cityscape and create a sense of community and connection.      

Submitted designs must be original works of the artist and in compliance with all existing copyright laws. Due to the public nature, artwork may not contain advertising, religious art, sexual, violent or other content unsuitable for all ages and cannot convey political partisanship. 

Each artist or team may submit up to three works.  

Review and Selection Process:  

All submissions will be reviewed by the Salida Public Art Commission, assessing compliance with the requirements, creativity, and overall quality of the work being submitted. The Public Art Commission will consider each submission for its' ability to enliven the public area and bring a unique concept to the Creative District.  The Public Art Commission will choose two (2) designs to be installed on (2) trash enclosures (24” width, 46” height, 24” length) on the grounds at the Salida SteamPlant Event Center.  Applicants can view an image of the trash enclosures on the Site Details link or in person at the Salida SteamPlant Event Center at 220 W Sackett Ave. Salida, CO 81201.

All submissions should be finalized artwork, not conceptual.  

$500.00 will be awarded to each artist/group selected. 

Application Requirements

• Artist/Team Name
• Artist Statement
• Contact Information (phone, email, mailing address, county you reside in)
• Title of Artwork
• Work should be finalized artwork, not conceptual
• Work must be able to be translated into a digital file, a pdf in vector format, 300 dpi. The fabricator does not have the ability to scan or convert any physical paintings/artwork to digital. Each artist can submit up to 3 original works. Designs must engage all 4 sides of the trash enclosure. The top of the trash enclosure will not need a design.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Colorado resident and local to Salida (within an 18-mile radius from City center and/or within Salida School District boundaries)
• Community or Student groups may apply
• Applicants cannot be a member of the Salida Public Art Commission or an employee of the City of Salida
• The application deadline is 11:59pm April 16, 2025 MST