Contest Alert: Showcase Your Artwork on Roanoke Storm Drains

Want to make storm drains in the city a little more colorful?

The Roanoke Stormwater Utility and the Roanoke Arts Commission are hosting a storm drain inlet art contest. You could have your artwork featured in a high-traffic location and even win a cash prize.

But there’s not a lot of time left to enter. (You need to do it this week!)

Here’s what they have to say: “Creating Storm Drain Inlet Art would not only draw attention to storm drains ‘hidden’ within the city sidewalks, but also raise awareness about stormwater pollution. … There is a $400 honorarium per storm drain with all materials supplied and cash prizes for People’s Choice awards.

“Few people realize that litter, trash, and other pollution sources like sediment, bacteria, oils, and yard waste left on city streets wash untreated into the nearest creek, stream, or the Roanoke River. Raising awareness through visual expression has been successfully implemented in other communities and the city believes it will be an effective next step in preventing stormwater pollution from entering Roanoke’s waterways.”

Not sure what storm drain art might look like? Other cities, such as Columbia, Missouri (shown in the video and above) have sponsored similar projects.

The contest is open through 2 p.m. on Nov. 21. All rules, locations, and dimensions are located here.

The six artwork locations include:

• Grandin Village
• Outside Roanoke Public Library
• Downtown Roanoke Post Office
• Crystal Spring Avenue in front of River and Rail
• West End Park
• Williamson Road Branch Library

Contest winners will be notified in December ans storm drain assignments will be made with a goal to have all artwork installed by April 15. Each featured storm drain will be promoted as part of the annual Roanoke Earth Day celebration later that month.

Good luck! And showcase your designs with us on Instagram, using #roanokeoutside. We’d love to see all the creative ideas that you develop.