Call for Entry for the 2026–2028 Art 2C On Havana Street Exhibition

Call Description

Art 2C on Havana Street: 13th Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (2026–2028)

The City of Aurora Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) and the Havana Business Improvement District (HBID) are looking for outdoor sculptures to be considered for an exhibition on Havana Street in Aurora, CO, for two years. The exhibit is scheduled to open in October 2026. Selected artists should anticipate installing their artwork in the first week of October 2026 and de-installing it in mid-September 2028.

Eligibility

• This is a regional call for artists residing in the following states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska.
• Sculptures must be exhibited for the full length of the exhibit, which is approximately two years.
• Sculptures must be ready for exhibition.
• Sculptures must fulfill the design and selection criteria listed in this call.

Design and Selection Criteria

• Quality of workmanship.
• Three-dimensional, freestanding sculpture of any medium suitable for outdoor exhibition.
• Artwork must be made from material appropriate for outdoor exhibitions. It must be able to withstand the changing weather conditions of Colorado. These include high summer temperatures (above 100F), low winter temperatures (below 0F), temperatures that can vary more than 40 degrees in a few hours, high winds, hail, significant snowfall, and extreme sun.
• Size: minimum 4’ and maximum 14’ in height
• Weight: minimum 100 lbs. and maximum 4,000 lbs. in weight
• Artwork should not contain sharp objects or edges.
• Artwork must be durable, require little to no maintenance, be graffiti resistant, and be prepared for installation.

Installation Criteria

• Selected artists should expect to install their artwork by the first week of October 2026.
• Artists must transport, install, and de-install their own artwork. (Assistance and equipment can be provided if requested at the time of acceptance.)
• All sculptures must be attached to a steel plate that will be bolted to a concrete base. Alternative methods must be approved by AIPP and HBID staff at the time of acceptance.

AIPP staff, or their representative, must be present when the artwork is installed and de-installed (removed) from the site.

• Selected artists must submit a detailed installation plan for their artwork which must include:
• Title of artwork
• Artist name and contact information for day of installation
• Dimensions of artwork
• Weight of artwork
• Dimensions of connecting plate
• Type and size of bolt required to connect to concrete base
• Equipment required for installation (e.g. crane, drill, hammer)
• Number of people required to install the artwork

Artist Stipends, Cash Awards, and Sculpture Purchase
Exhibiting artists will be paid a $2,500 stipend for the transportation, installation, and de-installation of their artwork.

The HBID is providing funds for cash awards in the following amounts:
1st Place: $1,250
2nd Place: $750
3rd Place: $500

Sculptures may be purchased from the Art 2C On Havana Street exhibit and will be advertised as such. Aurora’s Art in Public Places Program may purchase sculpture(s) from the exhibit to be added to the City’s public art collection.

About Art 2C On Havana Street and Aurora Art in Public Places
HBID and the city of Aurora’s Art in Public Places program are proud to partner to bring the Art 2C on Havana Street: 13th Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. This highly successful and anticipated exhibition brings thirteen temporary sculptures to the business district where they remain for two years. The exhibition provides residents and visitors with a unique way to experience the Business District. Public art such as this boosts real estate values and creates opportunities for local businesses to thrive while also providing sculptors with opportunities to share their work, gain recognition for the quality of their work, and compete for cash awards.

The City of Aurora Art in Public Places program has made it possible for locally and nationally renowned artists to enhance the city’s public spaces with works of art ranging from indoor wall hangings to monumental outdoor sculptures, and architecturally integrated works. The collection includes over 300 pieces valued at approximately $4 million, creating cultural landmarks that serve as a cornerstone of the city’s identity.

How to Apply

Submittals are due no later than FRIDAY, January 30, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M. (Mountain Time)
Applications will be taken through CAFÉ only. No hard copies will be accepted. Visit www.callforentry.org, prepare and upload images, and apply to the Art 2C On Havana Street 2022 call for entries. This is a free service for artists.

For questions regarding image preparation or technical questions related to your application, please e-mail [email protected].
For more information about Art 2C On Havana Street, visit: https://www.auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16242704&pageId=16565744 or www.onhavanastreet.com

Application Requirements

Submission Details
DUE: FRIDAY, January 30, 2026 AT 11:59 P.M. (Mountain Time)

You may submit up to five (5) sculptures to be considered. Artists are required to submit the following as part of their application:

• Professional resume: Limit the resume to two (2) pages and include your address, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address.
• Artist’s Statement: A one-page document detailing your approach to art, and a brief (no more than 5 sentences) description of each artwork in your application.
• Digital Images: Two (2) images of each sculpture submitted, one from the front and one from the back.

For questions regarding this call, contact:
Amber Pixley, Public Art Specialist
303-739-6744
[email protected]

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

• This is a regional call for artists residing in the following states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska. If you live outside the the region listed above, your application will not be reviewed.
• Sculpture must be exhibited for the full length of the exhibit, which is approximately two years.
• Sculpture must be ready for exhibition.
• Sculpture must fulfill the design and selection criteria listed in this call.