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Celebrate Ann Arbor’s Creative Spirit: Nominations Open Through August 1 for the 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards


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Still riding the vibe of the art fair we are keeping the spotlight on local artists. Ann Arbor is always alive with public art, from murals that brighten our streets to spontaneous performances in parks. If you've seen a compelling piece that adds sparkle to everyday life, now’s your chance to spotlight it: nominations for the 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards are open through Friday, August 1, 2025, at www.a2gov.org/golden 


🏆 Who Can Be Nominated?

  • Any individual, group, or organization that created or supported public art in Ann Arbor.

  • Art types include visual works, installations, performances, music, and even temporary pieces—like ice sculptures or poetry readings—as long as you include a photo or video. City of Ann Arbor

  • Nominations are open to self-nominations, so if you were part of a project you believe is noteworthy, go ahead and share it.

🔍 What Makes a Golden Paintbrush Winner?

A diverse judging panel evaluates submissions using three key criteria: City of Ann Arbor

  1. Creativity & Skill (50%) – Is the work original, well executed, and impactful?

  2. Civic Engagement (25%) – Does it involve and engage the community?

  3. Visibility (25%) – Is it easily seen or heard by the public and maintained over time?

Judges value collaboration, excellence, and the little spark of magic that lifts everyday spaces.


🥇 Awards & People’s Choice

  • Judge’s Selections – Awarded by the panel based on the evaluation criteria.

  • People’s Choice Award – A shortlist of finalists will be posted online in early August. The public vote to select the winner—so your voice matters! City of Ann Arbor


✅ How to Submit a Nomination

  1. Visit www.a2gov.org/golden

  2. Fill out the nomination form—upload photos or videos if your project is temporary.

  3. Hit submit before Friday, August 1—don’t miss the deadline!


Public art builds community, bringing people together, sparking conversations, and transforming ordinary spaces into places of wonder. By nominating a project, you're helping celebrate creative civic achievement and encouraging more colorful expressions in Ann Arbor’s shared spaces. Know a project that deserves recognition? Whether it’s your own work or someone else’s, nominate it today! And when finalist voting opens in early August, be prepared to give your favorite the People’s Choice boost.

Let’s celebrate the creativity that makes Ann Arbor shine.

For more info, past winners, or to submit, visit www.a2gov.org/golden or contact Robert Kellar at rkellar@a2gov.org / 734‑794‑6000 ext. 41524.

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