Canvas Colorado

Colorado is our canvas.
Let’s paint the story of who we are.

Keep Colorado Beautiful is actively seeking partners in every region of Colorado to help design, implement, and scale this program.  

Your Questions, Answered

Canvas Colorado is a bold, statewide public art movement transforming blank walls into powerful statements of pride, place, and possibility.

Led by Keep Colorado Beautiful, this campaign turns overlooked spaces into landmarks that reflect the spirit of our communities.

  • Canvas Colorado a statewide mural program designed to activate public spaces through art, community, and civic pride.

    Across Colorado, we partner with neighborhoods, schools, artists, businesses, and local governments to:

    • Transform blank walls into vibrant community landmarks
    • Celebrate Colorado identity and local culture
    • Deter vandalism and reduce blight
    • Bring residents together through hands on participation
    • Create visible proof that communities care

    Every mural tells a story. Every story builds pride.

  • Public art changes behavior.

    Research and lived experience show that well maintained, vibrant spaces:
    • Discourage graffiti and litter
    • Increase neighborhood pride
    • Strengthen local identity
    • Encourage community stewardship

    Canvas Colorado turns underused walls into visual commitments to care for our communities.

  • Canvas Colorado projects take place across the entire state — from urban corridors to mountain towns to rural main streets.

    Project types include:

    Community Landmark Murals

    • High visibility downtown walls, gateways, and gathering spaces.

    Youth Powered Murals

    • Projects designed with students and young leaders.

    Environmental Pride Projects

    • Art inspired by Colorado’s landscapes, waterways, wildlife, pollinators, and outdoor culture.

    Rural Spotlight Projects

    • Murals that elevate small towns and strengthen main street identity.

    Infrastructure Activation

    • Utility boxes, fencing, and overlooked infrastructure transformed into art.

  • Canvas Colorado provides the structure and energy to bring projects to life.

    We help communities:

    • Secure site approvals
    • Connect with Colorado artists
    • Host community design conversations
    • Coordinate volunteer paint days
    • Recognize sponsors and partners
    • Develop long term maintenance plans

    Every project includes a clear stewardship commitment so the impact lasts.

  • Canvas Colorado is open to:

    • Neighborhood groups
    • Schools and youth organizations
    • Municipalities and counties
    • Downtown associations
    • Nonprofits and community coalitions
    • Property owners and small businesses

    If the wall is visible and the community is engaged, it can be a canvas.

  • Canvas Colorado operates as a statewide movement:

    State Leadership
     Keep Colorado Beautiful provides brand standards, safety guidance, sponsor support, and impact tracking.

    Local Activation
     Communities lead site selection, community engagement, and long term stewardship.

    Together, we scale beauty across Colorado.

  • Each year, Canvas Colorado aims to:

    • Complete murals in diverse regions of the state
    • Engage hundreds of volunteers and residents
    • Support Colorado artists
    • Increase visible pride in public spaces
    • Create measurable beautification impact

  • All projects require:

    • Property owner approval
    • Volunteer safety compliance
    • Youth supervision when applicable
    • A clear maintenance commitment

  • Canvas Colorado invites businesses, foundations, municipalities, and residents to invest in visible change.

    Sponsor a mural in your region.
    Host a project in your neighborhood.
    Join the statewide movement to paint Colorado with pride.

    Colorado is our canvas. Let’s create something lasting.