2024 Shock Art
The 2024 application process for Shock Art has closed for this year.
The selected artist’s models will be on display at ArtWalk September 14, 2024.
Artists will begin painting late summer/early fall 2024.
If you are an artist and would like to be added to the mailing list for notification of call to artists, email Art in Public Places.
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 committee members 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shock Art?
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.
What if I’m an artist and want to paint?
The 2024 program is currently closed. Artists are asked to complete a submission form and deliver a 11”L x 10”W x 7.25”H hand painted scale model once the 2025 program opens in spring of 2025.
How do I get a box painted in my neighborhood?
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.
How do I get to paint a switchgear box?
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.
Artist eligibility
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.
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.
