City of Hamilton celebrates installation of public art on 37 utility boxes in downtown Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – Members of the public are invited to join Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr, city staff and artists, to celebrate the installation of 37 unique artworks on utility boxes across downtown Hamilton, on Wednesday, October 16 from 7  to 9 pm at Mills Hardware, 95 King Street East. Pre-registration is required due to limited space - free tickets are available at www.hamilton.ca/trafficboxpublicart

The artworks range in style and original medium and are largely the work of emerging artists. They were printed on graffiti resistant vinyl wraps, installed on city-owned utility boxes, and are anticipated to remain in place for five to ten years. An online art map with box locations and artist statements for each artwork will launch at the event and be posted on the City of Hamilton website.

"This project has allowed artists who are not typically involved in public art projects, to contribute to enlivening the public spaces of our downtown. These artists stepped up providing an amazing variety of beautiful works" -  Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Director Tourism and Culture Division

A volunteer citizen jury awarded the commissions to 32 artists after reviewing over 150 submissions based on their appropriateness for Downtown Hamilton, artistic excellence, technical feasibility, ability to deter graffiti and public comments.

Quick Facts

• This project is funded up to $90 thousand by contributions to the Downtown Hamilton Public Art Reserve from downtown developers.
• The City defines public art as art created by artists or in collaboration with artists, through a public process and existing on publicly owned and accessible property.
• Public art helps strengthen the city’s visual identity, stimulates the economy, and enhances tourism and community pride.
• Since 2010, the City’s public art program has received over 474 artist proposals, consulted with over 8,185 members of the public and awarded 52 public art commissions

Resources

• www.hamilton.ca/trafficboxpublicart
• www.hamilton.ca/electricalboxpublicart