ArtPop Street Gallery is redefining the use of billboards—turning traditional advertising spaces into open-air galleries that showcase juried, local artwork. Each year through its flagship Cities Program, ArtPop provides 20 curated works from regional artists (including one high school senior) to its billboard partners, featured on a space-available basis for the full calendar year. With over $8.5 million in annual donated ad space, ArtPop artists appear on hundreds of billboards nationwide, including in Times Square, bringing extraordinary reach and visibility to emerging creatives.

Now in its 12th year, ArtPop continues to expand its reach. In 2025, it welcomed Nomadic and SP Comm Partners to its network of billboard collaborators, further amplifying its impact across the industry.

ArtPop is proof that billboards can do more than sell—they can inspire. And when used creatively – they can start a movement.

Enter The Beige Campaign

These past years, ArtPop has faced financial challenges that threaten the continuation of its program. The organization launched the cheeky multi-channel “Beige Campaign” to raise awareness and funds, emphasizing the potential loss of vibrant local art displays if funding is not secured.

“If we don’t act now to secure funding, the arts in Charlotte could fade into oblivion. Our community deserves more than beige; it deserves color, creativity, and vibrancy,” shares ArtPop Street Gallery founder and executive director Wendy Hickey.

The Beige Campaign continues to serve as a stark reminder to Charlotte and beyond about the need to act now with the goal of securing an additional $300K in funding by June, 2025.

“We need your help, advertising community. Billboards are a marketing tool built by artists. Without the illustrators and painters of past generations would we even exist?”

Wendy and team welcome the chance to connect further to share more about this artful campaign and how the advertising community can support upcoming fundraising needs. Donations can be offered directly at https://www.artpopstreetgallery.com/donate.

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