Call Description

The City of Alamosa is accepting entries for the 10th annual Alamosa Creates Art on Loan Program. This public art program is open to all professional and amateur artists. Artists may submit 1 artwork (with 3-5 images of that work) per application. Up to 2 applications per artists will be accepted. 

Judging will take place March 2026 and 15 pieces will be selected based on their originality and suitability for outdoor display. Submissions must be more than two feet in height and valued at no more than $50,000.

 Applications are due by February 27, 2026. Selected artwork will remain on display for a one year period. Artists receive a $1,000 honorarium for selected artwork delivered by due date. Failure to install the artwork by the stated deadline will result in forfeiture of the honorarium, and the artwork will not be eligible for installation at a later date.

Throughout the display period, community members will be asked to vote for a “People’s Choice" award. A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the Artist whose work is selected.

Public art instills meaning; a greater sense of identity and understanding of where we live, work, and visit – creating memorable experiences for all. 

Terms and Conditions

·    The artist will deliver the artwork to the installation site on September 11, 2026.

·    The artwork will be loaned to the City of Alamosa for a one year period.

·    If the artwork is sold as a result of being on display, the City of Alamosa will process the sale and keep 20% of the sale price as a commission.

·    The following is required in order for artwork to be considered. 

Pedestal mounting requirements: Piece must not exceed a 23'' circumference and must have separate metal base to facilitate welding. Ground mounting requirements: Piece must have brackets that stick out beyond the piece. Brackets must also include 1/2''  pre-cut holes to drill into prior to arrival.

·    The City of Alamosa will be responsible for the installation of the artwork with the assistance of the artist at a location selected by the City.

·    The artwork must require little to no maintenance or be fully assembled prior to arrival.

·    The City of Alamosa will insure the artwork during the display period against vandalism, theft, or damage to the artwork caused by motor vehicles. The City will not be liable for any degradation to the artwork caused by normal wear and tear or weathering.

·    The City of Alamosa will work to promote and advertise the Artwork throughout the display period.  Promoting will begin the weekend of the installation with an event where artists can meet one another and the public is invited.

·    The Artist will be paid a $1,000 honorarium upon on time delivery by the City of Alamosa, and two nights lodging in a local hotel on the night prior to installation and night of installation and reception. 

·   Failure to install the artwork by the stated deadline will result in forfeiture of the honorarium, and the artwork will not be eligible for installation at a later date.

·       Installation will be part of a broad Alamosa Creates Arts Festival on September 11-12th in downtown Alamosa. Installation Friday will be followed by a public-invited artist’s reception on Friday evening, and other events with partner Alamosa Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

Important Dates:
February 27, 2026 - Application Due
April 2026 - Selection Notification
September 11, 2026 – Installation
September 11 - 12th – Alamosa Creates Arts Festival

About Alamosa

Alamosa is the central trade community of the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado – a region made up of six rural counties covering 8,193 square miles and bordered by two mountain ranges, the Sangre de Cristo on the east and the San Juan on the west. The population of the City of Alamosa (2014) is approximately 9,115 people and Alamosa county‘s population is 15,870 (2014). We are located approximately four hours southwest of Denver and two hours northwest of Santa Fe/Taos. The Valley, the largest alpine desert in North America, sits at an elevation of 7,800 feet. In the 1850s, Hispanic families from New Mexico were the first to establish permanent settlements in the Valley and the area is home to third and fourth generation Spanish settlement families. Alamosa is a close-knit rural community built on agriculture, health-care, and education economic sectors. A "strong sense of community" is consistently cited as the top reason why residents like living in Alamosa.

About the ArtScape Program

2025 People’s Choice Award $1,000 – Ladder to the Moon by Jodie Bliss

19 Sculpture have been purchased from the art on loan exhibit in the first nine rounds.

Application Requirements

N/A

Eligibility Criteria

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