09/03/2026
ARTIST CALL!! (application link at the bottom)
Huntington Downtown Geocache Art Trail
15 LOCAL ARTISTS • 15 CREATIVE CACHES • 1 FREE DOWNTOWN FAMILY ACTIVITY
Huntington County is creating a new Downtown Geocache Art Trail! This will be an interactive experience that will turn downtown Huntington into a community-wide treasure hunt featuring local artists, businesses, and creative installations.
Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. Participants use a phone or geocaching app to find hidden containers, called “caches,” and discover clues, treasures, or experiences along the way.
We are looking for 15 local artists to help bring this project to life!
Artists selected for the project will be paired with a participating downtown business and will work with that business to create a unique, creative geocache experience. Each cache will become part of a larger trail that encourages residents and visitors to explore downtown, discover local businesses, and experience Huntington through art.
ARTIST STIPEND
Selected artists will receive $300 for their participation and completed cache.
Materials and project supplies will be provided through the project budget.
WHAT WILL YOU CREATE?
Each artist will work with an assigned downtown business to develop a creative cache that:
Reflects the personality, history, or identity of the business or Huntington community
Incorporates an interactive or artistic element
Encourages visitors to explore and engage with the location
Can function as part of the larger geocaching trail
Is appropriate for public interaction and community use
You will work 1 on 1 with the art center to bring your idea to life
Artists may work in a variety of mediums. We are interested in creative ideas and community connection more than a specific artistic style.
You do not need to be an experienced geocacher to participate. We will provide guidance throughout the project.
ARTIST + BUSINESS COLLABORATION
Selected artists will be paired with a participating downtown business.
Artists will meet with their business partner to discuss ideas, location considerations, and creative direction before beginning their cache.
The goal is to create something that feels unique to both the artist and the business while contributing to the overall downtown experience.
PROJECT TIMELINE
August 16–October 31, 2026
Cache artist selection
October 31–November 30, 2026
Artist-business pairing and project kickoff
December 11–February 28, 2026
Cache design and creation, installation
March 2026
Digital mapping, testing, promotional video, and trail launch
WHO CAN APPLY?
We welcome applications from Huntington-area artists working in a variety of creative disciplines, including:
Painting
Sculpture
Illustration
Mixed media
Ceramics
Fiber arts
Woodworking
Photography
Graphic design
Installation art
You do not have to be a professional artist to apply. We are looking for people with creative ideas who are excited to contribute to Huntington's downtown community. Ages 16 and up
WHY PARTICIPATE?
You'll have the opportunity to:
Earn a $300 artist stipend
Have your work featured in a public community project
Collaborate with a local downtown business
Introduce your work to new audiences
Help create a unique attraction for Huntington
Connect with other local artists and community partners
Be part of a project that encourages residents and visitors to explore downtown
THE TRAIL
Once completed, the caches will be added to a digital geocaching trail that visitors can follow throughout downtown.
Participants will be encouraged to check in, take photos, share their experiences, and explore participating businesses along the way.
This project is designed to connect ART + BUSINESS + COMMUNITY + ADVENTURE and create an experience that continues bringing people downtown.
APPLY
Interested in participating?
Complete the short artist application below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9rEsolIC8IdZ4rJrXAoG3eOr0TIxpxq5szRG9I01JaQsCYg/viewform?usp=sharing
Application Deadline: September 30
Artist Selection Announced: November 1
Selected artists will be contacted with their business pairing and next steps.
Questions?
Contact:
[email protected]
Thank you to our sponsor for the project The Indiana Arts Commission
