Ready to make waves in Downtown Carrollton by applying for the City’s third annual Storm Drain Art Contest?

Seven artists will be selected to paint storm drain inlets on South Broadway Street. Applications are now open to submit designs that fit themes of preventing stormwater pollution, maintaining safe drinking water sources or water conservation, and protecting natural habitats. Submissions are open to all Carrollton residents and organizations, as well as those in the immediate DFW area.

Artists must be at least 12 years old to enter. Minors will need a parent or guardian to sign a permission waiver, and organizations must have a single point of contact. Artists who applied for the first or second Storm Drain Art Contest are eligible to submit again, as the selection process is anonymous.

When applying, artists must submit photos of their design concept as they would like to paint it. The artwork must be original and appropriate for all ages. The project aims to deter graffiti vandalism, so designs should not mimic graffiti style. The art may also not be used for advertisement or to promote a business, product, or viewpoint.

“We are excited to open submissions for a third phase of storm drain art installation,” Andie McClure, Carrollton Stormwater Coordinator said. “The community has really embraced the program as a unique opportunity to support art in Downtown as well as raise awareness about protecting our water supply, and we hope to continue growing the program in Carrollton.”

A committee will select seven winning entries based on the design criteria. Artists will be notified if their design is selected, and installation will take place in March 2026. Winning artists will have their biography featured on the City website. Additionally, the community will vote on a People’s Choice Winner, and the artist will have first selection rights on which storm drain they would like to paint.

Art supplies such as environmentally friendly acrylic paint, brushes, and mixing containers will be provided to artists, as well as safety equipment such as cones, vests, knee pads, and shade cover. City staff will prep the inlets by power washing and applying a primer, then applying a sealant afterward.

Carrollton’s storm drain art program raises awareness about stormwater pollution. Each time it rains, water flows over streets and can pick up pollutants including sediment, trash and litter, or oil and vehicle fluid on its way to the storm drains. These pollutants discharge directly into creeks and other surface water throughout the City, all of which flow into the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Painting the storm drains serves as both a colorful art installation for the community to enjoy and a reminder for everyone to help protect the water supply and the environment.

The deadline to submit is Thursday, January 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, find Storm Drain Art Contest at cityofcarrollton.com/stormwater. For questions, contact Andie McClure, Carrollton Stormwater Coordinator, by emailing andrea.mcclure@cityofcarrollton.com or calling 972-466-3035.