City of Orange Utility Box Art Program
• The Utility Box Art Program aims to enhance the visual appeal of the City of Orange by transforming city-owned traffic signal control boxes into vibrant public artworks. These installations serve as a unique form of communication to a constantly moving audience, adding artistic expression to everyday streetscapes. • Selected designs will reflect the spirit and identity of the City of Orange, celebrating its culture, history, and community values. Proposals should demonstrate creativity and a strong sense of place, helping to foster community pride and cultural engagement.
• Accepted artwork will be professionally printed on vinyl wraps and installed directly onto utility boxes throughout the city.
• The City is seeking both sponsors and artist for the program. • First Year-7 locations (one in each Council District plus one at large) Sponsors Needed- “Adopt a Box”
• Program supported by sponsorships.
• Cost to support a box for up to three years is $3,000 • Sponsors will have an area designated on the box (no more than 20% of printable area) where they can display brand or note name of donor. • Sponsors can request a specific utility box location providing that the utility box is owned by the City. Final placement is at the discretion of the City. • Boxes will be wrapped as sponsorship commitments are received.
Utility Box Wraps
• Only vinyl wraps will be used. Vinyl wraps are a polyester film with a clear gloss that has an anti-graffiti overlaminate. Once a design is approved through application process (see below), vinyl wraps take 4 to 8 weeks to install. Artists submit photos of the artwork they wish to display, a city approved contractor/vendor measures the box, orchestrates the placement and applies the vinyl wrap.
• Why use vinyl wraps instead of painting directly onto the utility box?
1. Graffiti Deterrent- Vinyl wraps deter and repel graffiti, in part because it's hard to paint over the surface and in part because it's hard to see any spray painted or carved in symbols outside the artwork.
2. Long Lasting- On average, vinyl wraps typically last three years. The colors fade a lot slower than typical house paint or acrylic. Wraps have a greater ability to be repaired than a box that is painted.
3. Quality and General Appearance- The appearance of each utility art box holds up nicely and the colors remain vibrant over time. They can also be cleaned easily.
“Call for Art”-Selection of Art for Program
• Art will be solicited by a call for design contest that will invite designs. • ARTIST ELIGIBILITY & BASIC INFORMATION-
1. The Utility Box Art program is open to individual artists, a team of artists or community groups who have the vision and skills required to create a visually engaging image or artwork design for a vinyl wrap.
• Qualifying applicants must reside in Orange.
• Applicants may apply online or submit a paper copy of the form
• Each applicant must provide a high-quality photo(s) of their proposed artwork (1 to 5 high resolution, 300 dpi, art design files with the dimensions of 40 inches wide by 20 inches high).
• All artists under the age of 18 must provide a parent or guardian name and have them sign off on their application by agreeing to the statements at the end of the online and paper applications.
• Recommendations for submitting a design:
• Ensure that artwork is appropriate for all ages- no
political, religious or discriminatory subject matter
will be considered.
• Consider using bright colors and heavy outlines,
as they look best from the afar.
• Envision how the design will translate onto a box
shape and if it will be visually interesting from all
angles and directions.
• Utilize the utility box diagram to envision how the
artwork might look on the shape of the box.
• Utility Box locations are chosen or approved by city staff, but suggestions are welcome.
• SELECTION OF ARTIST-
• Initial screening will be by City staff to ensure that submittals meet basic program criteria.
• After initial staff screening, a jury of community members which could include local community organizations, local artist(s), interested community member(s), and other city stakeholders will be assembled.
• The jury will make selections of art that will be held and used to wrap utility boxes as funding though sponsorships
become available.
• Art submissions should include themes that reflect one or more of the categories below:
Categories:
• Orange History: Depict pivotal moments, stories, and
people from Orange’s past that shaped its identity and
legacy.
• Orange Landscapes & Nature: Let your art
celebrate our parks, landscapes, nature, and animals
that call Orange home.
• Orange Living: Embrace the vibrant daily life,
cultures, and traditions thriving in Orange.
• Orange Youth: Channel the energy, dreams, and
aspirations of the younger generation in Orange.
Show the world through their eyes—their dreams,
visions for the future, diverse talents, and unique
perspectives.