The 2026 Carhenge Mural Fesival
In August of 2026 the Alliance Creative DIstrict will host eight artists to paint another set of cars at the famed roadside attraction, Carhenge, and another mini-mural gallery in downtown Alliance. Adding to the work created by our amazing artists in 2025, with new artists, new perspectives, and new
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
THE 2026 CARHENGE MURAL FESTIVAL
Work Media:
From August 5-10, the Alliance Creative District will host eight artists to paint murals directly onto the cars of the Carhenge roadside attraction. Their work will become part of an evolving art installation along side pieces created in 2025 by: Artez, Chanate, Anna Charney, Fat Cap Sprays, Key Detail, The Obanoth, Paul Monsters, and Stevie Shao. Lodging, per diem, and supplies will be provided.
Work Size:
Each artist will have a designated car to paint with the expectation that they include coverage of the exposed hood/windshield/roof in their design, though, the entire car is fair game. The cars will be assigned via draft process with selected artists. The average area per car is 24 sq. feet. Paint and supplies will be provided by the ACD and on hand during the week of painting. Each artist will also be invited to paint a mini-mural on the 2026 wall.
Compensation:
Each artist will be paid $3000.00 for participation in the event. Food, lodging, and travel stipend will be provided. Accommodations will be available for artists to paint from August 5-11.
Entry Requirements:
Artists will submit a Submission Document for review that will include a cover letter with contact information, resume, vision statement and up to 4 images of original art.
Submissions:
Send a PDF copy of your Submissions Document to: submissions@carnegieartscenter.comor use the Submission Form Button below:
Timeline:
April 10 Call for Artists
May 15 Entries Due
May 20 Selected Artists Notified
May 30 Artist/Car pairings established.
August 5-10 Painting of the cars
August 10 Reception and reveal of the second Carhenge Mural Show
Entries Due: May 15, 2025
Selection Process:
Artists will be selected by the Alliance Creative District based upon materials provided by the artist.
Notification to artist:
Artists will be notified by email on May 15, 2026.
Reception:
Carhenge will remain open to the public during the week of painting. Artists will be provided with a controlled environment allowing the public to observe their work without interfering. A reception will be held on August 10th where the public will be invited to see the completed pieces.
Publicity:
The initial painting of the cars and reception will be publicized via press release, social media, traditional advertising, and targeted marketing at specific venues and festivals.
The Alliance Creative District will host further events throughout 2026 as part of the Carhenge Arts Festival with current plans including the Carhenge Quilt Challenge, Band on the Bricks music festival, and the Winter Solstice gathering in December.
Ongoing publicity and exposure will continue after the reception. Carhenge, as a destination, draws over 100,000 visitors every year providing a broad, built-in audience for the intended show. Artists will be credited on site with space available for contact info, QR codes, etc. Opportunities to display pop up shows at various locations in the City of Alliance will also be available to the artists during and after the event.
Sales:
During the Initial week of the festival, participating artists are invited to contribute to a complimentary show featuring all eight artists’ work to be held at the Carnegie Art Center(CAC) in Alliance. While the CAC will help to facilitate sales on site, they will also co-ordinate with other establishments in Alliance who will host pop-up stores for interested artists.
Contact:
Email your proposal in PDF format to: submissions@carnegieartscenter.com
or click the submissions button below:
For questions
Email: alliancecreativedistrict@gmail.com
Call or text: (308) 299-8212