Sidewalk Stamp Contest

Leave your mark on Denver!

We’re inviting artists, designers, and creative thinkers to help shape the sidewalks of tomorrow. Submit your artwork for our Sidewalk Stamp Contest and turn every walk or roll into art that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Stamping sidewalks is a longstanding tradition dating back to the early 19th century. You may have noticed old stamps while walking around your own neighborhood. Denver’s Sidewalk Program is continuing that tradition in a way that reflects who we are today and making a mark that reflects Denver’s commitment to a safe, accessible, and equitable sidewalk network.

Eligibility: Open to artists and creatives of all ages and backgrounds living in Denver.

Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2026

Winning design prize: $1000 

Design Description

We’re looking for creative designs that are both visually engaging and built to last. As you create your design, please keep these tips in mind:

• Show Your Style: Your design can reflect Denver’s identity or culture or be something entirely your own. Add creativity with symbols, shapes, or icons to make your design unique.
• Keep It Simple: Sidewalks experience heavy use and adverse weather, so designs should be simple and durable. Avoid very detailed patterns, as they may crack or wear out over time. Color is not a factor, as your design will be stamped into concrete, so think of it like a stencil.
• Balance Creativity and Durability: Bold shapes and thoughtful spacing hold up well.  Curved lines and rounded shapes are stronger, look great in concrete, and will help your design last longer.

What Your Design Must Include

Make sure your design has these elements:

• A reference to Denver, which may include phrases like “Denver Sidewalk,” “Sidewalks for Denver,” “Denver’s Sidewalks,” or a creative interpretation that clearly connects the design to Denver.
• The four-digit year, which will be updated to match the year of installation.
• Text should be in uppercase with letters at least 1-inch tall. Simple, legible lettering works best. Sans-serif styles are recommended for durability, and text should be easy to read at a glance.

Important: We recommend original design work but if you choose to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with your design, the use of AI must be cited with your submission. 

Sizing

Your design must fit inside a space that’s no bigger than 8 inches wide by 7 inches tall. Landscape orientation tends to work best. Check out Attachment A(PDF, 90KB) for a sizing grid to help you.

Attachment A - Spanish(PDF, 87KB)

How to Submit Your Proposal 

When your design is ready, save it as an image or PDF file. Use the online submission forms, linked below, to upload and submit your artwork:

Submission Form - English

Submission Form - Spanish

If you prefer to mail your submission, print and fill out the application form below. Mailed artwork will need to be sent to: Sidewalk Program, Denver Transportation & Infrastructure, 201 W Colfax Avenue, Dept. 508, Denver, CO 80202 by July 31, 2026

Print Application - English(PDF, 165KB)

Print Application - Spanish(PDF, 184KB)

Selection Criteria and Judging Rubric

Designs will be evaluated by a review panel representing a range of city leadership and community voices using the following criteria, with priority given to the first criteria and decreasing weight applied to each that follows:

Practicality and Durability: The design should hold up over time in concrete and easily manufactured at the required size.

Creativity and Originality: The design should present a unique idea, reflecting a strong perspective or concept.

Clarity and Legibility: The design should be easy to understand at a glance, with clear shapes, lines, and text.

Connection to Denver: The design should meaningfully reflect Denver’s identity, culture, community, or environment.

After review by the selection panel, five standout designs will move on to a citywide public vote – inviting the Denver community to help choose the winning concept. The design that earns the most votes will be selected as the winner and unveiled in late September 2026.

Note: Submitted designs may be modified as needed to meet technical and construction requirements.

Rights and Ownership

By submitting a design, you are granting permission for it to be used, reproduced, and adapted for sidewalk stamps and related communications in perpetuity. See Attachment B: Property Rights, Copyright, and More(PDF, 103KB) for additional details.

Attachment B - Spanish(PDF, 118KB)