City of Mountain View Sidewalk Studio Pilot Program

The City of Mountain View and the Visual Arts Committee are launching the Sidewalk Studio Pilot Program, a utility box beautification initiative that aims to enrich the community through public art by transforming city-owned utility boxes into vibrant artwork while deterring graffiti. The program encourages civic pride, increases pedestrian traffic, creates a more attractive environment, and expands public art into new areas of the city.

The city seeks to commission five artists or artists' teams to create and paint original designs for five utility boxes. Eligible artists and/or artists' teams must be residents of one of the following 11 San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma. All artists must be 18 years of age or older. Applications will be accepted from February 15, 2018 at 8:00 AM (PST) to February 28, 2018 by 11:00 PM (PST). Only the first 60 applications will be accepted. Applications must be submitted online via CaFE at www.callforentry.org with no application fee.

Applicants must submit a brief design concept description, resumé, five to ten digital examples of previous artwork, and up to three completed design proposals on the provided template in full detail and color. All artwork must be original, appropriate for all ages, and cannot include political statements, religious references, copyrighted material, corporate branding, or large amounts of dark colors. Designs must include all visible sides of the utility box, minimize large open areas to discourage graffiti, and not mimic graffiti styles. The VAC will make final selections by March 14, 2018, with artist notification by March 21, 2018. Selected artists must attend a mandatory orientation and complete all artwork between April 21 and April 29, 2018. A stipend of $750 will be paid to each selected artist. Artists are responsible for all materials and must use acrylic or water-based acrylic paint. All artwork becomes the property of the City and is considered a long-term installation.