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Chalk the Block 2026- Chalk Artist Application

Chalk the Block 2026

The City of El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) in partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation invites eligible artists to apply for consideration to create temporary works of art using chalk on Downtown Streets for the 19th Annual Chalk the Block Public Art Festival!


ELIGIBILITY

The Chalk the Block 19 Chalk Art Competition is open to all artists (International artists must submit legal documentation to get paid in the U.S.). Artists must select one category for which they want to be considered when they submit their applications. Artists may apply in one of the following categories:

-Showcase Artists (Advanced Artists 18 years and older)
-Emerging Artists (Intermediate Artists 18 years and older)
-Student Artists (Artists currently enrolled in High School)

If selected, all artists must attend a MANDATORY orientation to participate at Chalk the Block. Selected artists must be set-up as vendors with the City of El Paso and have a valid form of identification. Vendor Management will be on site assisting with registration.

*MCAD does not provide housing accommodations for selected regional artists.

All applications will be reviewed by the MCAD review panel. Artists selected to participate will be notified via email the first week in September.

If selected, all artists must attend a MANDATORY orientation to participate in Chalk the Block. Orientation details will be sent in acceptance correspondence.
DEADLINE TO APPLY

All applications must be received by August 15th, 11:45 pm.

Late and/or incomplete applications will be disqualified. No exceptions.
APPLY ONLINE


All materials must be submitted through the online application form. No paper applications will be accepted. Once you access the online form, the application must be submitted all at once. You cannot save your work.

Chalk Artist Categories

(A) Showcase Artist Category -

  • This category is for advanced/professional artists
  • Showcase artists must work in a 10'x5' chalking space
  • Artists are responsible for measuring and marking their own space.
  • Selected artists must begin work on Saturday, October 3 from 7am- 8pm.
  • All artwork must be an original creation. Images may not be incorporate copyrighted materials.
  • Showcase artists are encouraged to recruit assistants to complete work
  • All chalk art must be completed by Saturday, October 3 at 8 pm.
  • Showcase Artists will receive an honorarium of $500.00 to produce their artwork.

(B) Emerging Artist Category

  • This category is for intermediate/emerging artists who are beginning or early in their artistic careers.
  • Selected Emerging Artists must work in a 6’x5’ chalking space.
  • Artists are responsible for measuring and marking their own space.
  • Selected Emerging artists may begin chalking on Saturday, October 3, at 7 am.
  • All artwork must be an original creation. Images may not be incorporate copyrighted materials.
  • Emerging artists are encouraged to recruit assistants to complete work
  • All chalk art must be completed by Saturday, October 3, at 8 pm.
  • Emerging Artists will receive an honorarium of $200.00 to produce their artwork.
(C) Student Artist Category

  • The student artist category is open to High School Students and organizations only.
  • Student Artists must work in a 5’ x 5’ chalking space.
  • Artists are responsible for measuring and marking their own space.
  • Selected student artists may begin working on their chalk art Saturday, October 3, at 7 am.
  • All artwork must be an original creation. Images may not incorporate copyrighted materials.
  • All chalk art must be completed by Saturday, October 3, at 8 pm.
  • Student Artists will receive an honorarium of $100.00 to produce their artwork.
CHALK ART COMPETITION PRIZES

BEST OF SHOW AWARD
ALL artist categories will compete for the Best of Show Award Prize of $2,000.

SHOWCASE ARTISTS
Showcase Artists will compete to win a $1500.00 Best of Showcase Artist Award.

EMERGING ARTISTS
Emerging Artists will compete to win a $1000.00 Best of Emerging Artist Award.

STUDENT ARTISTS
Student Artists will compete to win a $500.00 Best of Student Artist Award.


PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
ALL artist categories will compete for a special award from Raiz Federal Credit Union, determined by community votes
AGREEMENTS
ARTIST MATERIALS

MCAD will provide each artist with a small kit including basic chalking materials. Any other special materials needed for the piece is the artist’s responsibility.
- 2 Pack of White Pastels (12 sticks per pack)
- 2 Packs of Assorted Color Pastels (24 sticks)
- 1 Packs of Earth Tone Pastels (12 sticks)
- 1 Packs of Assorted Gray Pastels (12 sticks)
- 1 Packs of Charcoal (black) Pastels (12 sticks)
- 2 Rags
- 1 Spray Bottle
- 1 Three inch paint brush
- 1 Two inch paint brush

*Additional Pastels will be available at the MCAD table.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
MANDATORY ORIENTATION
All artists must attend a MANDATORY orientation to participate in Chalk the Block. Orientation information will be sent at a later time.

VENDOR SET-UP
All artists must be set-up as vendors with the City of El Paso/El Paso Community Foundation in order to receive artist honorariums/awards. All artists must have an active bank account to receive honorarium.


CHALK ART REQUIREMENTS
  • Artwork must be the original creation of the artist.
  • Artwork must remain true to the selected Chalk Art submission
  • No advertising or copyright images will be permitted, including words, logos, and symbol
  • Altering the piece on the day of the event will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the honorarium
  • Starting work before your scheduled start time is not allowed.
  • Social distancing should be practiced where possible.
  • If an alteration to Chalk Art proposal are needed, they must be submitted to MCAD and approved one week prior to the event
ALLOWABLE MATERIALS:

Chalk Pastels in a solid form are the only allowable material that can be used during the competition.
During the orientation, MCAD will go over other allowable methods and techniques permissible to use during the event.

INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS USING PROHIBITED MATERIALS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGES ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEANING OF THE SPACE.

PROHIBITED MATERIALS:

LIQUID or OIL PASTELS
ACRYLIC or OIL PAINTS
FIXATIVES or GLUES
PERMANENT MARKER
SPRAY CHALK