Cal Poly Facilities Management & Development is starting the Utility Box Art Project to showcase local talent on campus utility boxes. According to Cal Poly’s website, submissions from students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome.
The project is open to individual and team participants, with selected artists receiving a $250 VISA gift card to cover necessary materials, according to the website.
“The art aligns with our goal of transforming campus utility boxes into canvases for works of public art to enhance the vibrancy of the campus, showcase local talent, promote thoughtful themes, and deter graffiti,” Executive Assistant from Cal Poly’s Office of the Vice President Cindy Pilg said.
Pilg also revealed plans for an interactive map created by Aaron Lambert and Dawn Ventura from Cal Poly Corporation (CPC) Marketing and Communications.
The map aims to offer a tour of existing painted utility boxes, providing information related to the artwork and the respective artists, according to Pilg.
The goal of this approach is to add an interactive and educational element to the project and encourage the Cal Poly community to explore and appreciate the artistic transformations across campus, Pilg said.
Art & Design junior Emma LoNardo painted a utility box near Sequoia Hall and was given positive feedback and support by passing students.
“When I was painting my box, new freshmen would come by and express how pretty they thought my painting was,” LoNardo said. “They mentioned that it would make their day every time they walked to class, emphasizing the impact of small words of encouragement and vibrant colors in brightening the college experience.”
This project follows a tentative schedule, with a call for applications in January, an application deadline on Feb. 15 and an art jury review and selection process taking place in February and March. Accepted artists will then have the opportunity to complete their projects between April and June.
For more details and to download the application, visit Utility Box Art Project Guidelines. Applications are open through Feb.15 and submissions can be emailed at af@calpoly.edu.