The proposal(s) linked below are currently open for bidding. If any of these proposal(s) seems like a good fit for you and your company, we encourage you to submit a completed proposal for our consideration.
Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project Round 2
Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project Round 2
The Downtown Syracuse Foundation, in partnership with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, invites local artists to participate in this public art program designed to showcase the breadth of artistic talent in our region, enhance overlooked public infrastructure (utility boxes), and transform public spaces into celebrated sites of public art.
Project Overview:
Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project, organized by the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, is an initiative to enhance Downtown Syracuse with more colorful public artwork created by local artists.
Local artists are invited to submit up to three (3) designs that are vibrant, beautify our Downtown district, and infuse creativity into the landscape. The designs will be painted by the artist directly onto Downtown utility boxes, and each selected artist will receive payment for their work and have costs of supplies covered through funding. This document includes information about the submission process, timeline, box locations and dimensions, and other pertinent information. Please download a copy and read through fully. We urge applicants to visit box locations to better understand site and context.
Click here for a printable copy.
Program Requirements:
- Artists may submit up to a total of three (3) designs. This can consist of three (3) designs for the same box, one for a single box and two for a second box, or one for each of the three (3) different boxes.
- Designs must be submitted electronically through the Google Form. (More info below.)
- Artists must reside in Onondaga County, with preference given to artists located in the Greater Syracuse area.
- Artists must be at least 18 years of age.
- Artists must not have had design(s) selected and installed in previous Unboxed rounds.
- Artist must submit an Artist Statement of Intent and/or description of the concept to accompany each design.
- Artist must submit detailed project budget.
- Artwork and design must be original.
- Designs must be appropriate given the location and setting.
- Designs should not include advertisements.
- Artists will be responsible for preparing utility boxes for painting. This should be factored into the budget. See attached details on how to prep boxes.
- Artists will be responsible for sealing their artwork with appropriate, outdoor, UV-resistant acrylic varnish
Selection Process:
- A review panel comprised of local arts representatives and community stakeholders will select two to three finalist designs per box location based on the above program guidelines.
- After the review panel narrows down designs to the finalists, a call for public voting to select the winning design for each location will go out via the Downtown Committee’s social media and website.
- Designs may be kept on file for future consideration
Program Timeline:
- Issue Call for Submissions: March 28, 2025
- Submissions Due: 11:59 pm on Sunday April 27, 2025
- Review Panel selects designs to proceed to community vote: May 2 – 16, 2025
- Review panel meeting May 14, 15, or 16
- Community Voting: May 19 – 30, 2025 (ENDS NOON 5/30)
- Artists of Winning Designs Notified: June 6, 2025
- Winning designs presented to SPAC for approval (2nd Tuesday of Month): June 10, 2025
- Artwork Installation: June 14 – July 13, 2025
- Artwork must be completed by July 13, so final payment can be processed by Friday, July 30, 2025
- Artwork shared with public: Week of July 14, 2025
Selected Artists:
- Will receive payment for each utility box design installed, as detailed in their proposed budget.
- Will receive funds for materials required for the installation, as detailed in their proposed budget. 50% will be paid to artist upfront, 50% paid at completion of art.
- Must be willing to share their name publicly. No anonymous designs will be considered.
- Must sign a liability waiver.
Submission Instructions:
All submissions must be completed through the Google Form Application:
https://forms.gle/6Ej9yB3q6N9x3ner6
Materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Sunday April 27, 2025. All artists submitting work for consideration must apply via this form and this will be the only way submissions to this call will be selected. If you experience any difficulties or issues with the process, please contact Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Marketing and Events Manager, at stietjemietz@downtownsyracuse.com.
In order for designs to be considered, artist MUST submit the following:
- Design proposal (up to 3 in total), in color, labeled with artist name, box location number and design name, save as a jpg or pdf
Example: doe_jane_location_3_pelican.jpg
- Detailed project budget, including anticipated breakdown of how funds will be used (template in online application)
- Artist Statement of Intent and/or description of concept for each design submitted
- Artist bio
- Artist contact information
- Signed Terms of Agreement
- Examples of previous work
Ongoing care and maintenance:
The Downtown Committee’s Environmental Maintenance team will work to maintain the artwork by monitoring for graffiti tags or damage and as needed. If touch-ups of the artwork are needed, the artist will be contacted and brought on to do this, with this work facilitated and paid for by the Downtown Committee.
Box Locations and Measurements:
Location 1: Corner of East Jefferson and East Onondaga
Measurements:
H: 51”
W: 25”
D: 17”
Location 2: West Jefferson at corner of South Salina. (Larger box only)
Measurements:
H: 51”
W: 25”
D: 17”
Location 3: West Fayette at corner of South Salina
Measurements:
H: 74”
W: 44”
D: 28”
Helpful info for artists if selected:
Selected artists will each meet with Sarah Tietje-Mietz for a project orientation, site visit, and to go over the process and expectations for the boxes to be painted. We hope the following gives a sense of the prep work required, and what materials will be needed to do the work. Please figure any supplies/materials into your budget.
Prepping a utility box for painting
Follow these simple steps to prep your utility box:
- Clean the surface with the biodegradable cleanser such as Simple Green.
- Rinse and allow it to dry completely.
- Sand the cabinet with fine-grade sandpaper until the surface feels rough. Be sure to wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove all dust/grit from the surfaces after sanding. It is recommended that all cabinets be sanded prior to painting.
- Finish by applying a coat of metal primer on the cabinet. Please make sure to tape off any meters or handles, areas outside of the utility box so paint does not get on operable hardware and electronics, poles, sidewalk, etc. Be mindful to use a thin coat of paint on hinges so they remain operable.
- After the primer coat is completely dry, a colored base coat should be applied to the cabinet.
Below are recommended supplies and materials for installing your artwork, both for outcome and your comfort and safety while working:
