Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project

Syracuse, NY – The Downtown Syracuse Foundation, in partnership with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, is excited to announce the completion of the latest round of Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project, in Downtown Syracuse. This initiative highlights talented local artists who transform these often-overlooked public infrastructures (utility boxes) into celebrated pieces of public art.

We are excited to reveal the artists behind the three winning designs for Unboxed: Puji San, Tommy Lincoln and Iris Williams! “Public art plays a vital role in enriching our community, thank you to these talented artists for enhancing our vibrant downtown,” said Merike Treier, Executive Director for the Downtown Committee. The enhancements to our vibrant Downtown are:

“Mysteries in the Ozone” by Puji San located on E. Jefferson St. adjacent to the Carnegie Building
“Cuse Pride” by Iris Williams located on the corner of W. Fayette and S. Salina Streets
“Monster Art Box” by Tommy Lincoln located on the corner of W. Jefferson and S. Salina

Local artists were invited to submit designs for consideration, and the winning designs were then selected through a community voting process on social media. These were then painted by the artists directly onto utility boxes located throughout Downtown. Each selected artist received compensation for their work and costs of supplies through project funding. “This project was about representing my hometown and leaving a bit of me in the place that helped shape who I am as a young woman. Also to help beautify the city in my own way,” said Iris Williams, the artist behind “Cuse Pride.”

This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. Unboxed: The Utility Box Art Project is also made possible through grant funding from Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today, the Central New York Community Foundation, and with program support and sponsorship from The Art Store.

Join us in celebrating these talented artists and the amazing new public art that their designs have brought to Downtown Syracuse!

The Downtown Syracuse Foundation is 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to conduct research, identify best policies and practices, secure resources, and implement programs and projects to support the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse.