City of Redondo Beach Request for Designs for Utility Box Vinyl Wraps

The City of Redondo Beach and its Public Art Commission invite artists to participate in the City's Utility Box Art Program. Artists are sought to showcase original designs on utility boxes located throughout Redondo Beach. The goals of the program are to use public art to contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the City's streetscapes and bring art to unexpected places.

Utility boxes vary in size and are currently gray or green. The City will handle preparation, fabrication, and installation of vinyl wraps using material with a protective coating against graffiti and UV damage. Artists may identify one or more utility boxes for which they would like to create designs, though the City makes no guarantee to honor selections. Final placement decisions will be made by City Council upon recommendations from the Public Art Commission. Once installed, designs become long-term installations and property of the City of Redondo Beach.

Designs must be family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Because designs will be observed by moving car passengers, simple designs and bold colors are recommended; text is not recommended. Designs using a majority of dark colors will not be considered due to potential overheating. Designs may not restrict vents or airflow, and the City must maintain full access to box components. Designs must be original and may not use copyrighted or trademarked images, be plagiarized, or defame any person. Additional consideration may be given to designs showcasing Redondo Beach's cultural diversity, historic heritage, or popular activities. Artist names and sponsors may be acknowledged in a space no larger than 3" x 5" on one side panel.

Artists may submit multiple designs, with each requiring a separate application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 29, 2023. Selected artists will be notified and required to sign an Artist License Agreement prior to installation. Artists will receive $500.00 payment for each design that becomes a vinyl wrap. The final design must be submitted according to fabricator specifications within thirty days of agreement signing.

Submissions must include a conceptual image formatted according to the provided design template, five detailed images (one of each of the four sides plus the top), and samples of previous work with brief descriptions. An Artist Statement (2,000 characters maximum) describing interest in the project, previous public art experience, and how the art will transform the street is required, along with a resume limited to four pages including exhibition history and past projects. Selected artists must meet the Public Art Ordinance's definition of artist: a person with a reputation among peers for artistic excellence through a record of exhibitions, public commissions, sale of works, or educational attainment. There is no application fee. Applications are submitted online via www.callforentry.org.