Call for Local Artists to Participate in Utility Box Art Pilot Program

For immediate release: August 1, 2024 

Contact: Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager, (650) 286-3395, toren@fostercity.org 

Help enhance the beauty of Foster City and bring art to unexpected places by applying to participate in Foster City’s utility box art pilot program. Foster City is seeking local artists interested in showcasing their artwork by painting or vinyl wrapping utility boxes in the City. Four sets of utility boxes have been selected, two of which will be painted, while the other two will have the artwork transferred to vinyl wrap and applied.

Applications will be accepted beginning Sunday, September 1, 2024, through Tuesday, December 31, 2024. All artwork must be an original design and suitable for viewing by people of all ages and backgrounds. Participants may receive aid from others to help them complete the project. While all adults and youth are invited to apply for this program, priority will be given to artists that live, work, or attend school in Foster City.

The pilot program timeline will proceed as follows (please note that this schedule is subject to change):

  • Submissions accepted: September 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
  • Review of submissions: January 1-15, 2025
  • Parks and Recreation Committee review: February 1-15, 2025
  • Recommendation to City Council: February 16-28, 2025
  • Artist(s) notification: February 16-28, 2025
  • Orientation meeting: March 2025
  • Art installation: March-May 2025

“This pilot program will not only help add beauty to the streets of Foster City, but also provide an opportunity for local artists to gain more visibility to a broader audience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Derek Schweigart. “By refreshing the look of Foster City’s typically unnoticed utility boxes, we are showcasing our community spirit and creating a more vibrant cityscape.”

All aspects of the pilot program will be assessed by the City to determine if the pilot project will be adopted as a permanent program. For more information about the program and to view the full list of requirements for the application process, please visit www.fostercity.org/utilityboxart.

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