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Storm Drain Art Contest

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Storm Drain Art Contest

The City of South Bend Storm Drain Art Contest invites local artists to use their creativity to help educate the community about stormwater, water quality and the connection between what goes on our streets and what flows into our waterways.

Storm drains play an important role in managing rainwater and protecting the health of the St. Joseph River.  When it rains, water flows across streets, sidewalks and parking lots, picking up litter, oil, pet waste and other pollutants along the way. These pollutants can be carried into storm drains and eventually into the river.

Art around storm drains creates a visible reminder of how our actions on the land affect water quality.  

Artists are encouraged to submit original designs that raise awareness about protecting local water quality, reducing pollution and highlighting that storm drains flow directly into the St. Joseph River.

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Credit: City of Goshen


Contest Dates and Eligibility

Submissions Open: April 1, 2026

Submissions Close: April 30, 2026

Artist Selection Announced: Week of May 4, 2026

Painting Days: May 30 – June 5, 2026

Who Can Enter: The Storm Drain Art Contest is open to all artists age 18 and older.

Artist Compensation: Selected artists will receive $250 in compensation for their artwork. Payment will be issued after completion of the painted design.  


Design Guidelines

Designs should measure approximately 3' x 4' and must fit within the concrete sidewalk and curb area. Artwork should not extend onto the street or the storm drain casting.

Designs must reflect at least one of the following themes:

  • Highlight environmental stewardship and remind the public that storm drains flow directly into the St. Joseph River
  • Create eye-catching, educational public art
  • Include messages about keeping our water clean such as "only rain in the drain" or "be the solution to pollution"
  • Incorporate sponsor business in the perimeter of the design


Credit: City of Goshen


Submission Rules

Artists must submit their design proposals by April 30, 2026 via email to kmsmith@southbendin.gov.

Submissions should include:

  • Name, address, phone number, email address
  • Brief description of art training or relevant experience
  • Short biography (maximum 200 words)
  • Information about your proposed design
  • Title of your design
  • Color sketch of the proposed design with approximate dimensions of 3’ x 4’ (Note: Artwork must fit within the concrete sidewalk and curb and should not extend onto the street or the storm drain casting.

Applicants must be 18 years or older. Designs should focus on protecting local water quality, reducing pollution and highlighting that storm drains flow directly into the St. Joseph River.

Artists will be notified in early May. All selections are final. Submitted entries become the property of the City and may be used in promotional materials. Selected artists’ information may also be used to promote the project.

Storm drain art is temporary in nature. The City will apply a sealant in an effort to help preserve the artwork for up to one year, weather permitting. Artwork may be removed at any time due to City projects or future storm drain art initiatives.

Questions? Email Kmsmith@southbendin.gov.

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