The City of Columbia is seeking visual artists to submit existing artwork for possible placement on City-owned infrastructure. This program will give Columbia artists the opportunity to enhance public space by transforming ordinary objects of urban infrastructure.
Traffic signal boxes will be the top priority for licensed artwork. Other opportunities such as bus shelters, alleyways, or other public spaces may be considered in the future. This program is intended to highlight, encourage and promote Columbia artists by giving them the opportunity to present their work publicly. The program is being implemented by the City's Office of Cultural Affairs.
ELIGIBILITY
- Artists must be over 18 years of age.
- Artists must reside in mid-Missouri.
- City employees, board and commission members are ineligible.
GUIDELINES & IMAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Images must be original works of art that are engaging and positive.
- Images cannot contain legible logos, words, letters or numbers that could constitute a sign.
- Images cannot promote or advertise a particular community group or organization.
- Images cannot contain large blank backgrounds or photos of places outside of Columbia.
- Images should be able to translate to a vinyl wrap, such that parts of the image may be repeated, doubled, flipped or even removed to accommodate openings, keyholes, protrusions and other general design constraints. Due to this, figurative photo subjects are discouraged.
- If selected, you must be able to provide a high resolution file of the image that can be enlarged to at least 4’ x 6’.
PAYMENT
Artists will be paid a $500 licensing fee for the rights to each artwork the City uses on a surface of its choosing and in promotional materials.
PROCESS
- Application deadline is Monday, May 11, 2026. Apply using web-size images only.
- May 2026: Standing Committee on Public Art reviews submitted images.
- June 2026: Chosen artists will be invited to send in high-resolution images of the selected artwork. They will also need to complete a licensing agreement and submit necessary payment information.
- Summer/Fall 2026: The City will determine the location and layout of each installation and will have the images professionally printed onto vinyl and applied.
TRAFFIC BOXES
Traffic signal boxes are the first priority for installation of licensed artwork. The traffic boxes chosen for this program require between approximately 30-55 square feet of coverage depending on the box size and configuration.
- 30 square foot boxes approximately 24" W x 18" D X 51" H
- 55 square foot boxes approximately 44" W X 26.5" D X 56" H
Examples: Visit the Office of Cultural Affairs webpage for examples of finished traffic signal boxes.
OTHER USES
Other opportunities for use of the licensed artwork may become available. Examples are bus shelters, alley walls, and other locations.
CREDIT
The artist’s name and title of artwork will appear on the printed vinyl installation.
QUESTIONS?
For more information email OCA@CoMo.gov.