City of Hamilton seeking artists to submit art to wrap utility boxes in downtown Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - The City of Hamilton is seeking artists to submit proposals to two public art competitions for artwork to wrap City-owned utility boxes in the downtown. The first competition is directed at young artists, and those new to working in public art, requesting proposals for art on traffic signal boxes. Up to 32 artists will be selected and awarded $650 each if their work is installed.

The second competition is targeted to more experienced artists to provide their ideas for art on a series of five larger electrical boxes. The artist selected will receive $4,000 for providing their art work.

“We strongly encourage young artists who display in galleries or work in digital media, whose work is typically not eligible for public art competitions, to submit a proposal for the traffic box art competition and make a meaningful contribution to the city’s public spaces.”

Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Acting Director Tourism and Culture Division 

The art will be printed on graffiti-resistant vinyl wraps and installed on select utility boxes across downtown Hamilton as defined by the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Plan Area (DHCIPA).

The art will be chosen by a citizen jury that includes artists, downtown stakeholders and youth. Their selections will be based on the artist’s response to the competition goals, artistic excellence, public comments and technical assurances.

The goal of this pilot project is to improve downtown streetscapes by inviting artists to express their ideas through vibrant and positive artwork reflective of downtown Hamilton. The wraps are anticipated to last five to ten years, and it is hoped that graffiti-tagging will be discouraged by the creative installations.

If successful, the project may be repeated or expanded to other parts of the city pending future funding. The project budget is $90,000 and is funded by the contributions of local developers working in the DHCIPA to the Downtown Hamilton Public Art Reserve.

Quick Facts

• Submissions for the traffic box public art competition are due by 3 pm Thursday June 20, 2019.
• The deadline for submissions for the series of electrical boxes is 3 pm Tuesday June 11, 2019.
• Artists are asked to review all material on-line prior to making a submission.
• Public consultation on short-listed artists’ proposals is scheduled for summer 2019.
• Art work installation is planned for early fall 2019.
• 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 230 artist proposals, consulted with over 6,250 members of the public and awarded 18 public art commissions.

Resources

Information and submissions www.hamilton.ca/publicart
Zahra Awang
905-546-2424 ext. 6281
[email protected],