Utility Box Art
Program
Tracy Martin, Project Manager
Public Works Department
Committee of the Whole
January 12, 2022
Ask:
Does the City of Corona want to create a
Utility Box Art Program?
2 Today’s Presentation
• Existing wrapped boxes in Corona
• Research on existing programs at
other agencies
• Review potential next steps
3 Existing Wrapped
Boxes in Corona
4 5
Existing Locations
Lincoln/Citron
Rimpau/Sixth
Jameson Park
Existing Locations • Installed in 2016 • Cost: $800 - $3,600, depending on size
• Themes: Corona’s citrus
history & sports / children
• Some fading, but overall
good condition
6 Research on Existing
Programs at Other
Agencies
7 Agencies Researched
8 Types of Media (All Anti-Graffiti Coated)
Paint Vinyl Wrap
CONS
• Liability / insurance
• Safety concerns
• Vandalism/ damage
(not easily replaced)
• Longer time to
implement
PROS
• Professional &
amateur artists
• Less expensive
9 CONS
• More expensive
• Less “hands-on”
by the artist
PROS
• Professional contractors
• Use digitized art
• Quick to implement
• Easily re-installed
• Most common
approach
Program Offerings
10 “Call for Projects”
• Grants or stipends offered to local
artists to design artwork
• Funded by:
• Philanthropic organizations
• Business sponsorships or
donation programs
Adopt-A-Box Program
• Businesses can pay for the
decoration of a utility box, with
their name included (no
advertising allowed) Sponsored by Orange Coast College
Variety of Program Content & Purpose
Cultural
Diversity
Enliven &
Transform
Historic
Heritage
Highlight
Key
Activities
Local &
Global
Issues
Fun,
Inspiration &
Beauty
Art in
Unexpected
Places
Limitations:
• Appropriate for
all ages
• No political or
religious themes
• No advertising
• No negative
imagery
11 Locations
Traffic Signal Cabinets
• Main thoroughfares
• Downtown / business
• Intersections
• Pre-approved sites
• Artists scope sites - subject to
approval
12 Summary of Research
Topic Survey Information
Types of Media Anti-graffiti coated
Paint or vinyl wrap
Program Offerings Agencies offer grants to artists or an Adopt-ABox program. Program funding comes from a variety of private sponsorships and donations.
Content & Purpose Cultural diversity, local history or culture, global & local issue awareness, local flavor & activities
Locations Traffic signal boxes, main intersections and
downtown, limited vs. unlimited locations
13 Discussion & Potential
Next Steps
14 Ask:
Does the City of Corona want to create a Utility
Box Art Program?
15 PROS
•Beautify the City
•Deter graffiti
• Showcase aspects of the
community
Yes
Provide direction on what
Corona’s program would
look like.
CONS
•Potential expense
•Additional staff
time/resources
No
No further action
needed.
How to Fund the Program?
16 OPTIONS PROS CONS
1. CITY FUNDED • Program guaranteed to be
implemented as funding is
provided
• City funds may be needed
in other areas
• No direct opportunity for
businesses to participate
2. SPONSORSHIPS • No City funds allocated • Program depends on generosity of sponsors
• No sponsors = no activity
3. SPONSORS + CITY
SUBSIDIZED
• Lessens burden on City
funds
• Program still depends on
generosity of sponsors but
may encourage more
participation
Which option is the preferred PROGRAM FUNDING?
17 What Media Types are Allowed?
OPTIONS PROS CONS
1. PAINT • One-of-a-kind piece of art
• Opportunity to showcase
local artists
• Less expensive
• Cannot be replicated
• Safety concerns for artist
• Equipment ventilation
• Insurance requirements
• Time to implement
• Increased staff time
2. VINYL WRAP • Durable
• Professional installation
• Can be re-created
• Quick implementation
• Supports local businesses
• Variety – photos or artwork
can be digitized
• More expensive
Which option is the preferred MEDIA?
PREFERRED
18 Who Designs the Artwork?
OPTIONS PROS CONS
1. CITY PRE-APPROVES
SEVERAL DESIGNS TO BE USED
• Faster process
• Consistency throughout
City
• Limited variety
• Potential for duplicate
images
2. APPLICANT SUBMITS A
DESIGN FOR APPROVAL
• Allows for community
creativity
• Program can evolve over
time
• Allows businesses more
incentive to participate
• Increased staff time for
application processing
• Must develop program
guidelines
• Longer implementation
period
Which option is preferred for ARTWORK DESIGN?
19 How Many Locations?
How many LOCATIONS to be included in the program?
OPTIONS PROS CONS
1. CITYWIDE – 170 CABINET
LOCATIONS
• All areas of Corona can
participate
• Consistency throughout the
city
• May encourage more
organizations to
participate, i.e. schools,
HOAs, etc.
• More expensive
• Costs to fully fund 170 sites:
• $100,000 for paint
• $700,000 for vinyl wrapping
• Long time to fully
implement
• Some areas may want
them, some may not
2. SELECT AREAS – ex., 5 to 10
PER YEAR
• High impact to smaller area
• Fit with specific area’s look
and feel
• Lower cost, depending on
funding source
• Can restrict to business
districts
• Limited sites may deter
potential sponsors if a
preferred location is not
available
• Some areas may want
them, some may not
Potential Next Steps
Develop Internal
Process
Select Locations
& Program
Guidelines
City Council
Approval Implementation
20 QUESTIONS?
951-817-5880
[email protected]
www.CoronaCA.gov