The internationally acclaimed CODAawards recognize the best in public art and the creative forces behind it.
CODAawards FAQs
CODAworx produces the CODAawards to recognize the best in public art and the creative forces behind it. This internationally acclaimed program honors the individuals and the teams whose collective imaginations create the public and private spaces that inspire us every day.
Don’t see your question below? Contact members@codaworx.com, we’re happy to help you out.
Who can enter the Awards?
The CODAawards are open to all individuals from around the world who are involved in the collaborative process of creating public art. This includes artists, public art agencies, architects, art consultants, industry resources, technology companies, and clients. Our broad definition of public art is artwork that is available to be viewed and experienced by the public – whether in a park or city square, but also in hotels, hospitals, churches, corporate spaces, transportation hubs, etc. etc. etc. Each project entry must feature at least one newly installed artwork, whether permanent or temporary.
How much does it cost to enter?
$150 per entry until April 30, and $200 per entry from May 1 – May 31.
Does the artwork featured in the entry submission need to have been recently completed?
Yes. Entries must have been completed and installed since January 2023.
Can someone submit multiple entries?
While there is no limit on the number of entries submitted, we currently can only accept one project per submitter per category.
What are the Award categories?
There are twelve categories:
- Architectural Art
- Light Art
- Projection Mapping + Videos
- Suspended Art
- Art for Interiors
- Best Collaboration
- Experiential + Interactive
- Murals
- Sculpture
- Art for Festivals + Events
- Art in Transportation
- Most Inspirational
What if my work doesn’t fit into one of the entry categories?
We understand that public art is sometimes difficult to define! If you are having trouble deciding which category is appropriate, we encourage you to Best Collaboration or Most Inspirational. We created these categories specifically to receive such entries.
How do I submit an entry to the CODAawards?
Entries start with projects in the CODAworx Project Library, so if your project is already published on CODAworx, you will want to review your project to make sure it does the best job of representing you and the artwork.
If you are not a CODAworx member, you will need to join from our homepage by clicking the Join button in the top right. Activate your account via a link that will be sent
to you in an email, then log in to your My Account page; this is where you click the Publish a Project button. Publishing a new project is a simple 5-step process.
Once you have a project published on CODAworx, then go to the Enter the Awards page to select the CODAawards category that you wish to enter and follow the instructions from there!
What are the jurying criteria for the CODAawards?
The jurors are asked to judge each entry on the following criteria:
- The integration of the public artwork into the project space or environment, and the impact it has on viewers
- The collaboration process between artist/team, designers, architects, art consultants, public art agencies, and all industry professionals involved in the project
- The excellence of the artwork within its artistic practice – recognizing outstanding creative vision and mastery of form and technique
What kind of written documentation goes with each entry?
Each project published in the Project Library allows for content that addresses the project Overview, Goals, and Process. Use this content to address, as much as possible, the criteria that the jurors will be judging. For example, the Process section offers an opportunity to speak with collaboration with all of the players involved in the creation and installation.
How important is the quality of the photographs in a submission?
All important. As a matter of fact, it is one of the jurying criteria because CODAworx will use these photos to conduct an international media campaign about the winners. Please include photo credits if you hired a photographer and/or videographer.
Once an entry has been submitted, what happens?
The deadline for entries is June 1. Jurying will take place until June 15. In mid-July, the jury’s Top 100 selections in each category will be exhibited online where art enthusiasts from around the globe will be invited to vote for their favorites during a People’s Choice campaign. All winners of the CODAawards will be announced immediately after Labor Day in early September, and the CODAawards Celebration Luncheon will be hosted at CODAsummit Santa Fe at the end of September.
Will the jurying be anonymous?
No. We made the decision to include the name, photos, and other info submitted for each entry throughout the entire process. One of the problems with awards is that all-too-often jurors are already familiar with the work or the design or art professionals. In these situations, jurors will be asked to recuse themselves. We trust that they will judge work strictly on the basis of its excellence, regardless of who or where it came from.
How many winners are selected?
There will be one winner selected by the jurors from each of the twelve categories. In addition, there will be one People’s Choice winner selected by public vote.
When will winners be notified?
The People’s Choice winner will be notified in July, and juried winners will be notified the third week of August. Over the summer, we will be soliciting additional information to use for the public relations campaign, and will begin work on the Awards videos.
What will winners receive?
The selected winners will receive:
- an Awards trophy, created by ART Research Enterprises
- a professionally-produced video that features the winning project
- a complimentary registration to CODAsummit Santa Fe ($950 value)
- recognition from friends and industry colleagues at the CODAawards Celebration Luncheon at CODAsummit, September 29th
- a free CODAworx Pro membership ($600 value)
a national public relations campaign covering winners in Fall 2026
When is the submission deadline?
The final deadline for entries is 11:59pm Central Time on June 1st.
The 2026 CODAawards are sponsored by:
