This call for art is closed

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Concord Art Association announces Phase 3B of the City of Concord Utility Box Art Project, which includes six (6) traffic control boxes located throughout Concord.

 

Artists, individuals or teams, are invited to apply to paint the traffic control boxes with original artwork. Awards for winning designs will be $1000 per box.

 

The theme of the project is “Concord Reflections" We encourage artists to create design proposals that reflect and celebrate diversity in our community.

 

Traffic control boxes are in areas with high vehicular traffic. Designs should be bold and graphic with large shapes that are discernible from the traffic lanes. Winning designs will transform the boxes into "street murals" that will enhance the vibrancy of the city, allow artists to showcase their work, and discourage vandalism on utility boxes.

 

CAA is negotiating with the City of Concord to locate the boxes in a city-owned warehouse for painting.

 

The City of Concord is installing new traffic control boxes as part of a much larger project. It is anticipated that painting of these six boxes will begin in January 2024. The schedule may change due to factors outside control of the Concord Art Association and/or the City of Concord.

 

All artists including every member of a team, will be asked to sign an artist agreement, including standard liability waiver and release. The painting schedule for all twenty boxes will be determined by weather and other factors and announced to artists once all agreements have been signed. Concord Art Association will review completed boxes onsite prior to application by the artists of the isolation and final clear coats to ensure proper use of materials and adherence to the approved design.

 

APPLICATION

Submit applications beginning October 15, 2023. Extended deadline: all submissions are due November 28, 2023. All requirements listed below must be met or the application will be removed from consideration:

1. Complete JotForm application using this link

2. Include a statement of 100-250 words describing the inspiration for the proposed design, how it fits the theme, and what makes it a winner.

3. Include no more than 4 JPEG images of the design showing all four sides of the box. JPEGs must be 1090 pixels per side. We accept only .jpg images. Design drawings should approximate the shape of the box.

4. Submit non-refundable entry fee through the PayPal link on the JotForm: $10 for CAA members; $15 for non-members. If paying by check, mail to: Concord Art Association, PO Box 641, Concord, CA 94522-0641.

5. Questions? Email Concord Art Association. Please put "Utility Box Art Phase 3B" in the subject line of your email.

 

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to artists or teams of artists residing in Contra Costa County. All eligible applicants, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, origin, or disability, will be considered. This is a project for artists 18 years of age and older.

 

DESIGN CRITERIA

1. Use the provided Box Dimensions to submit a design concept. Changes to the design may be required to accommodate site requirements and the addition of a battery box. Please note that there will be at least one 2” x 10” sponsor plaque at eye level on one or more sides of the box. Plaque placement is at the discretion of the Concord Art Association.

2. Designs must include all visible sides. Tops of boxes over 50" high are not considered visible.

3. Utility boxes contain electrical equipment that can become hot; thus, to prevent overheating, large areas of black or dark colors are not allowed.

4. Designs should include bold forms and vibrant colors that can easily be viewed by motorists and passing pedestrians. The entire box must be painted except for the concrete base.

5. Designs must not contain representations of traffic lights, signs or signals.

6. Designs may include text; however, the text may not be an advertisement or promotion.

7. Designs may not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, images of illegal activities or involve the attachment of any object(s). No emojis are allowed.

8. Successful designs will “wrap” the imagery around all faces of the box in a continuous flow.

9. Artists are invited to sign their boxes. Signatures cannot occupy more than an area of 2” x 10” on the side of the box on which they are placed. Design proposals should indicate where the signature will be located.

10. All artwork must be the artist’s own original work and must not have appeared elsewhere.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

Concord Art Association will screen all proposals for the completeness of the submittal packets and appropriateness of the entries. A jury of area residents will select the semi-finalists based on a review of how well the artists captured the vision for the theme and artistic merit. The City of Concord has final approval on winning utility box designs. Selected artists will be asked to sign an Artist Agreement with the City of Concord and the Concord Art Association, including standard liability waiver and release.

 

PAINTING SCHEDULE

Concord Art Association will announce dates for painting which will be dependent on weather and other factors. All Artist Agreements must be signed prior to the commencement of painting.  

 

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

Due to outdoor exposure and functioning electrical components located inside the utility boxes, the City of Concord has specified the following steps and products for this project.