Paint a Utility Box
ACCEPTING DESIGNS FROM ARTISTS!
The Chelsea Cultural Council invites artists to paint city utility boxes, as site-specific works of art.
Project Overview
The Chelsea Paint a Utility Box Project invites artists to paint city utility boxes with original designs. Once professionally painted, these utility boxes will contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the urban streetscape and recognize & celebrate local artists and public art!
Process
Important Details
Note: Dark colors absorb heat, which can potentially overheat a utility box. Ideally any dark color must be used sparingly and fluorescent paints should be kept to a minimum. Also, because these are operational boxes; hinges, handles, locks and keyholes can’t be painted over.
Once your application is received we will contact you within a few weeks. Do not start your box prior to the receipt of an official notification letter from the Chelsea Cultural Council.
Process
The Chelsea Cultural Council invites artists to paint city utility boxes, as site-specific works of art.
Project Overview
The Chelsea Paint a Utility Box Project invites artists to paint city utility boxes with original designs. Once professionally painted, these utility boxes will contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the urban streetscape and recognize & celebrate local artists and public art!
Process
- Up to 3 designs by each artist will be considered
- Applications can be submitted year-round for selection by the Chelsea Cultural Council (CCC)
- CCC will assign the time frame to paint and match each artist with a utility box
- All work must be completed within 2 weeks of start date
- Artists will receive a flat $300 supply stipend upon completion of their box.
- Artists must supply their own paint and equipment and submit a photo of the completed box.
- Artwork must be original.
- Artists must avoid dark palettes in order to prevent boxes from overheating in the sun.
- Designs may be representational or abstract but must respond to the urban context and be appropriate given the location and audience.
- Utility box size may vary; selected artists must be willing to adjust designs to their particular box.
Important Details
Note: Dark colors absorb heat, which can potentially overheat a utility box. Ideally any dark color must be used sparingly and fluorescent paints should be kept to a minimum. Also, because these are operational boxes; hinges, handles, locks and keyholes can’t be painted over.
Once your application is received we will contact you within a few weeks. Do not start your box prior to the receipt of an official notification letter from the Chelsea Cultural Council.
Process
- Selections will be made by the Chelsea Cultural Council.
- Once approved, Chelsea Cultural Council will notify the artist of the time frame for painting and match each artist with a utility box.
- Project must be completed within 2 weeks of start date.
- Artists will receive a flat $300 supply stipend upon completion of their box.
- Artwork must be original.
- Artists must avoid dark palettes in order to prevent boxes from overheating in the sun.
- Utility box size may vary; selected artists must be willing to adjust designs to their particular box.
- The utility boxes must be scraped, cleaned and primed before they are painted. We suggest taping over functional areas before priming and painting.
- Artists must supply their own paint and equipment.
- Drop cloths should be used at all times while painting.
- Applied paint must not interfere with the operation of the box’s hinges, handles, vents, locks, keyholes or any cautionary text on the box.
- Passage on the sidewalk for pedestrians must be at all times maintained. Blocking traffic or lanes of the street needs to reviewed with the Chelsea Cultural Council in consultation with the Department of Public Works.
- Artwork submitted by the artists is original, solely owned by the artists and reproduction will not violate the rights of any third party.
- Accepted artwork developed under this contract shall be the exclusive property of the City of Chelsea.
- The City of Chelsea has the right to paint over my design without notification to the artists if, in the future, the appearance deteriorates due to weather, vandalism or utility box replacement.
- The artist grants the City of Chelsea an irrevocable license to make reproductions of the artwork and the final designs to be used in brochures, media, publicity and catalogs or other similar publications.