1. Utility Box Pilot Program
San Luis Obispo
Erika Burg, Recreation Technician

2. Objectives
Create works of art that contribute to the vitality & attractiveness of streetscape & the community
Foster civic pride & community identity by bringing art to unexpected places
Provide opportunities to artists to display their creative works in visible public spaces
Deter & Prevent Graffiti

3. Summary 5 boxes for the pilot program Artists will hand paint their
original art
Work directly with artists
Provide opportunities for artists
Community engagement & interaction with artist during painting
Less likely to be perceived as an advertisement
Majority of money allocated directly to artists
Oakland

4. Maintenance Hand Painted boxes last between 3 and 5 years
Touch ups can be done by artists
fade resistant acrylic paint
Box preparation can extend
durability
Sanding & metal paint primer
Upon art completion..
Anti Graffiti coating &
water repellant sealer
Some Cities reported longer than 5 years wear, climate dependent
Positive of hand-painting: artists can make touch ups if needed (Vinyl wraps: once ripped need to be replaced)
City will provide all the prep and sealant materials to assure quality and durability. Want artists to focus on the art.
Maintenance generally low cost ($100 for 1 year)

5. Artist Eligibility & Requirements
Pilot program open to adult artists
No geographical requirements, preference may be given to local artists
Can submit up to three designs
Artists will submit:
Coversheet
Artist Biography
and/or Resume
Artist statement
Work Samples
Design Renderings
Direct Attention to attachment A : Artist Application
Calgary

6. Artist Selection Evaluation of submissions based on:
Artist experience, excellence, innovation, composition and originality
Relation to theme
Does the art meet the objectives of the program?
Objectives: create works of art that contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the streetscape and community and foster civic pride and community identity by bringing art to unexpected places.
- AAC May choose to seek follow up
Staff will coordinate an Agreed upon Four week period to paint between March 2018 and June 2018
Pleasanton

7. Themes Cohesion amongst boxes
Increase chances of receiving relevant work
Sends a clear message
-Themes not selected may be used for future phases of project
-A theme may not be necessary for all future phases of project once working relationships are formed with artists.

8. Theme Options Recommended Theme Celebrating the Arts
Celebrating and honoring a rich cultural diversity and multiculturalism
Celebrating and supporting the Arts
Celebrating Open spaces, nature and the outdoors
Recommended Theme
The AAC Recommended B) Celebrating the Arts as main overarching theme whilst also including information on multiculturalism/diversity in application.
Celebrating the Arts

9. Locations 100 + traffic signal boxes that belong to The City
The Arts Advisory Committee recommended option #2:
Along Crow Canyon
More Commercial area
Close proximity to several businesses
More foot traffic
Direct attention to attachment B which has mapped locations/map images
If successful, the project will expand to multiple phases which means more boxes in the future.
Choosing a location “cluster” versus spreading out. Easier to manager, painting more of a community event, walking tours, etc.
More than 5 box locations are listed to give us some flexibility when we make site visits with Public Works and examine boxes further
Location one landmarks: Safeway, Amador Rancho Community Center, Dougherty Station Community Center, Bella Vista Elementary
Location two landmarks: Crow Canyon Place, Iron Horse Trail, large intersections, Diablo Plaza
Ventura

10. Location two

11. Fiscal Impact & Budget
Expenditures
Artist Stipend (5 X $700)
$3,500
Materials & Supplies
$1,200
Marketing
$300
Total:
$5,000
Project may be funded all or in part by Public Art CIP #5842.
If possible, staff may solicit sponsorship from local organizations to offset cost
Artist Stipends – range from $300 - $1,000. Wanted to stay towards high end to get a good pool of applicants and be on par with surrounding Cities.
Materials and supplies include box prep supplies (sand paper, primer) and box sealant supplies (water repellant, anti graffiti), and other misc. items like buckets, painters tape, drop cloths. City provides those for artist. $ can also be allotted for maintenance although cities reported very low.
Marketing includes media marketing for Call to Artists, fliers, post-cards to surrounding neighborhoods and/or businesses about project.
Hollister

12. Tentative Timeline October Commission November City Council
December – January Call to Artists
February Review Submissions
March -April Artist Selection & contracts
May- June Painting installations

13. Recommended Action: Review the proposed Utility Box Public Art Program and make a recommendation for approval of the program to the City Council.