Art in Public Places opens call for entry for award winning outdoor exhibition on Havana Street

The city of Aurora's Art in Public Places Program, in partnership with the Havana Business Improvement District, is accepting applications for the 13th Art 2C On Havana Street outdoor sculpture exhibition, a two-year rotating display that brings public art to one of Aurora's most dynamic commercial corridors, through Friday, Jan. 30.

The 2026-2028 exhibition will feature twelve selected sculptures installed along Havana Street, offering residents and visitors a renewed opportunity to experience the district through the lens of public art. The program provides sculptors with a platform to showcase their work, gain recognition and compete for cash awards funded by Havana Business Improvement District.

Art 2C On Havana Street is a signature initiative that enhances the business district, strengthens community identity, and supports artists working in durable, outdoor-appropriate media. Last April, it was recognized by the Colorado Business for the Arts Committee with the 2025 Arts & Business Partnership Award.

Sculptures selected for the exhibition remain installed for approximately two years, with the next cycle scheduled to open in October 2026.

Key Details:

• Application deadline: Friday, Jan. 30, 11:59 p.m. MST

• Number of works selected: 12 to 13

• Eligibility: Artists residing in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas and Nebraska

• Artist stipend: $2,500 for transportation, installation and de-installation

• Cash awards: first place: $1,250; second place: $750; and third place: $500.

• How to apply: Submit via the CaFÉ website.

Applicants may submit up to five sculptures for consideration. Works must meet the exhibition's design criteria, including durability, suitability for outdoor conditions and secure installation requirements. Selected artists will coordinate installation in early October 2026, with de-installation expected in mid-September 2028.

The Art 2C program has become an anticipated part of the Havana Business District, bringing temporary sculpture installations that enrich the streetscape and support the local economy. Sculptures from the exhibition can be for sale to the public and may also be considered for purchase by Aurora's Art in Public Places Program.

The Art in Public Places Program is an offering of the city's Library and Cultural Services Department. For more information, visit AuroraGov.org/PublicArt.