2026 Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards - Call to Las Animas County Artists

Colorado Creative Industries announces a call to Las Animas County, Colorado artists in order to commission one artist to create four original artworks for the 2026 Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards.

Eligibility

The call is open to all artists residing in Las Animas County, Colorado.

Project Budget

The project budget is $3,000 for four awards. The budget should include a plaque on each award if necessary and packing materials. The selected artist will also receive a complimentary registration to the Colorado Creative Industries Summit in Trinidad, from June 4-5, 2026.

Application Link

Apply to design the Governor’s Creative Leadership Award.

Application Deadline

EXTENDED TO October 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m.

Project Overview

The Governor's Creative Leadership Awards recognize individuals that have demonstrated a significant commitment to Colorado’s creative landscape through civic leadership and volunteerism including advocacy, vision, collaboration, or innovation. Colorado Creative Industries will commission four original artworks to serve as the award presented to the winning Colorado individual or organization during the ceremony June 4 or 5 (TBD), 2025 in Trinidad. Three awards will be presented to the individual award winners. The fourth award will become part of the State of Colorado’s permanent Governor’s Creative Leadership Award collection. The four finished artworks must be similar in size and media, be able to hang on a wall or placed on a flat surface and be related to each other thematically. The artwork should speak to the overall mission of the Creative Leadership Awards. For example, the artist may somehow reference the uniqueness of Colorado (its landscape, people, arts and culture, etc.), and/or speak to the important role arts and culture play in creating strong communities in our state. The finished artworks must be presented installation ready and must be completed by May 22, 2026.

Artist and Artwork Requirements

Artist must be a resident of Las Animas County, Colorado.
The artworks can be made of, but not limited to, the following materials: metal, glass, pottery, ceramics, wood, stone, mixed media or fiber
Final artwork must be able to hang on a wall or be able to be placed on a flat surface (such as a table, floor or pedestal).
All finished artworks must be similar in size and media; they may be identical if the medium allows.
The artwork may not contain nudity, profanity, or other inflammatory language or subject matter, as this award will be placed in a public location.
Artist is required to package finished artwork for transport.

Project Schedule

September 12, 2025 - Deadline for application materials to be received.
By October 31, 2025 - All artists notified via email.
November-December 2025 - Design concept review and follow up conversation.
May 22, 2026 - Artwork completed and delivered to Colorado Creative Industries or picked up by Colorado Creative Industries staff prior to the CCI Summit and Awards Luncheon in Trinidad.

How to Apply

Applicants are asked to submit 5 digital images, a resume and a brief statement through the artist application for the Governor’s Creative Leadership Award. The following materials will be required to complete this artist call:

Brief statement explaining the artist’s interest in being considered for this commission
Current artist resume
5 digital images of recent work (within the past two years). Can include sketches or conceptual drawings for awards as one of the 5 images.

The submission deadline is 4:00 p.m. on September 12, 2025.

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed on artists’ past work and applicability. Once chosen, a single finalist will be given time to prepare sketches or general design ideas to present to CCI staff following notification. Upon acceptance of the final design idea, the artist must complete and deliver the artworks by May 22, 2026. If for any reason the artwork does not meet the requirements set forth by the committee, the committee reserves the right to reject the final artwork.

Additional Information

If you have questions or require additional information about this project, please contact Emma Acheson at Emma.Acheson@state.co.us or 303-518-0258.

Accessibility

Colorado Creative Industries is committed to ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to our grant and program opportunities. We strive to make our application process, events, and activities accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

This application process is available online through a Google Form. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, or if you require accommodations to complete the application, please contact Katy Zeigler (she/they) at Kathryn.Zeigler@state.co.us at least two weeks (10 business days) before the application deadline. We will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations.

Past Award Examples

Square stained glass artwork held in front of a window that depicts a mountain against a dark blue sky. Red rock formations and yellow and green hills are shown in front of the mountain.

2025, Roni Schwinn, Working Artists Gallery

Photo of a colorful art print depicting a landscape with trees and clouds framed with a white matt and black frame. A small plaque is framed beneath the print.

2015, Bill Zahn

Photo of 4 artworks measuring about 10" in height assembled from metal pieces.

2014, Jimmy Descant