(Joplin, MO) – Downtown Joplin Alliance, in conjunction with the City of Joplin, Spiva Center for the Arts, and Joplin Arts District, invites artists and creators to submit original designs for a public art initiative transforming more than two dozen electrical utility boxes throughout downtown Joplin into vibrant works of art.
Feeling unsure about how to create artwork for a utility box wrap? You’re not alone, and there are people here to help!
An informal information session will be held on Monday, June 1 at 4:30 pm in the gallery space at Spiva Center for the Arts, located within the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex (212 W. 7th Street). Topics will include:
- What artists should consider when creating artwork for a three-dimensional utility box (i.e., scale, composition, visibility, and how artwork may wrap around the side).
- Frequently asked questions about the electric box templates.
- Clarification on how art will be formatted for production.
Artists do not need to know how to to use design software or fit your artwork perfectly into a template to apply.
Participants are encouraged to bring questions, ideas, or just come learn about the process.
The session is open to artists, students, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in submitting work for the call.
This call is open to artists and non-artists working in any medium, including but not limited to: painters; photographers; collage artists; mosaic artists; quilters; illustrators; designers; poets; and mixed media creatives. Applicants do not need prior experience in public art or creative placemaking to participate. Each applicant may submit up to two (2) design concepts. Cash prizes totaling $2,000 will be presented in two categories:
- Youth: Ages 17 and under
- Adult: Ages 18 and over
Submissions open April 14. Deadline for entry is June 8 at 11:59pm. Entries will be submitted electronically here.
The 2026 Art: Outside the Box is made possible by Liberty Utilities and Visit Joplin.
Lori Haun, Executive Director of Downtown Joplin Alliance says, “Art has the power to transform a space and what better canvas to use than necessary infrastructure to bring art to all corners of Downtown. By adding color and vibrancy in these otherwise overlooked areas, downtown continues to surprise and delight.”
References:
Lori Haun, Executive Director
Downtown Joplin Alliance
lori@downtownjoplin.com
417.529.3888
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