Shock Art
Shock Art 2026
The call for artist submissions will be springtime for Shock Art 2026. It’s not too early to get started on your design!
It’s not too early to get started on your 2026 Shock Art design!
If you are interested in applying for Shock Art for 2026 consideration:
- Create a hand-painted model 11”L x 10”W x 7.25”H
- Here is a video on how to construct a scale model
- You can use foamcore, wood, cardboard etc.
- The design needs to be uniquely your own, and hand painted.
- In the spring of each year, we put out a “Call to Artists”. It is at that time that you submit your painted model.
- Then, the models go on display for the community to vote. The boxes with the most votes win the commission. We usually paint between 7 and 10 boxes a year in the summer and through the fall.
Artists interested in future information about Shock Art or to be added to the mailing list for notification of call to artists, email the AIPP administrator.
Shock Art is a collaborative effort between Art in Public Places and Longmont Power & Communications, who owns and oversees the ‘pad mount switch’ equipment which houses the Shock Art Murals. Artist stipends are funded by 1% of City Capital Improvement Projects which funds the public art program within the City of Longmont.
About Shock Art
In partnership with Longmont Power & Communications, Longmont Art in Public Places (AIPP) commissions 7-10 artist/artist teams to visually transform selected dull electric boxes into dynamic works of art. Selected Artists or artist teams are provided a $2,000 stipend. Anticipated painting time will be late summer/early fall.
Artists/teams are responsible for:
- Executing their design as presented in the model,
- Attending training in advance,
- Labor / travel expenses, and
- All painting materials to paint the box (please note that spray paint is not permitted).
AIPP will be responsible for assigning locations and priming the boxes in advance of artist painting as well as organizing the advance training with LPC.
Art in Public Places will select electric boxes in various locations around the City of Longmont and selected artists and artist teams will be commissioned to complete the painting. City contract and program participation guidelines will apply to all selected artists – including confirmation of qualification and approval of final project.
History of Shock Art
Taking the lead of our successors to the North, the AIPP Commission opted in 2010 to allocate funds to enhancing the switchgear boxes throughout Longmont, in collaboration with Longmont Power & Communications.
AIPP invited local artists to submit their designs on scaled down boxes, and we invited the community to vote for their favorite, ultimately, selecting the winning designs. AIPP then commissions the artists to paint their design on pre-selected boxes. Be sure to visit each of the dozens boxes that have been painted around town! And, if you are an artist and would like to be added to our mailing list to be informed of upcoming opportunities, email the AIPP administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shock Art is a collaboration between Art in Public Places and Longmont Power & Communications that brings color and creativity to the (otherwise dull green) boxes. Selected artists are required to complete a city agreement, attend an in-person orientation and are awarded $2,000 for completed Shock Art boxes.
The 2026 program will open in the spring. Artists are asked to complete a submission form and deliver a 11”L x 10”W x 7.25”H hand painted scale model to one of the submission locations.
The AIPP Commission accepts submission for switchgear boxes all year long. At this time, we are only painting the square ones that are approximately 65″ square that you currently see around town. These are often NOT residential, but larger function boxes along main streets. If you’d like to inquire into a specific box, be sure to note the sticker number and location, and email the AIPP administrator.
Each year, AIPP puts out a call to artists, requesting artists’ designs on a small scaled model. The Longmont community cast their votes for their favorite. The Art in Public Places Commission has final say on the selected winners.
The project is open to all artists nationwide (and/or artist teams), regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental challenges. All participating artists must attend an in-person orientation prior to painting and are required to complete an agreement with the City of Longmont.
