Traffic Boxes

The Cool Spring Downtown District invites artists to submit graphic designs to beautify four traffic signal boxes located in the downtown district. Traffic signal boxes—the stainless-steel structures at signalized intersections—can be vulnerable to vandalism. This project will utilize a public art application to enhance the visual landscape. Artist designs will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around the traffic signal boxes in Downtown Fayetteville. The project is made possible by a joint effort between the Cool Spring Downtown District, the City of Fayetteville (specifically the Traffic Engineering Department), and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.

This call is open to all artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers who currently live or work within North Carolina. Submitted designs must be original artwork and can be created in any medium, so long as they can be represented as a high-resolution digital image. Artists may submit up to two designs for consideration. Designs must be submitted as high-quality image files (Print Quality PDF) at a minimum of 300 dpi in editable formats (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop, or converted to PDF). All submissions must be converted to vector files and incorporate a one-inch bleed. Specific themes include inclusivity of community, local history, wayfinding, and sustainability in the environment. Designs must not contain commercial advertisement or representations of traffic signage, lights, or signals. When preparing designs, do not include central design elements at the top of the box but do include a design treatment for the top. Aesthetic use of the traffic box structures themselves as an integral part of the design is strongly encouraged.

Up to four artists will be selected. A jury panel including arts professionals, local artists, business owners, and representatives from the District, City, and Arts Council will review all proposals based on artistic merit and graphic strength, contribution to the aesthetic and cultural atmosphere of Downtown Fayetteville, appropriateness for public space, ability to translate to large format, and completeness of application. Each selected artist will receive a $500 honorarium and unlimited, licensed use of their design for program purposes. Wraps will be removed after 2-3 years depending on condition. Fabrication and installation are not the artist's obligation. Submit all application materials to [email protected] by May 2, 2021 at 5 PM EST, including artist/team name, point of contact, mailing address, telephone, email, website/social media, a one-page artist statement, and design proposals.