Residents Invited to Transform Traffic Boxes into Local Public Art
Residents Invited to Transform Traffic Boxes into Local Public Art
TALLAHASSEE, Fla –The City of Tallahassee and KCCI (Knight Creative Communities Institute) with support from COCA are piloting the Art of the Box project. The pilot project will transform functional Traffic Control Boxes into works of art by five local artists during Placemaking Week 2020, Sept. 21-25. The traffic boxes provide ideal canvases to enhance streetscapes and promote a distinct sense of place among residents and visitors to the area.
“The Art of the Box project will enhance public areas with unique artistic designs,” said Mayor John Dailey. “In Tallahassee we are committed to supporting local artists and making art accessible for everyone, and this project helps to further these efforts.”
Five artists based in Leon County will be selected through an online application process to transform the Traffic Control Boxes into three-dimensional artwork. The artwork will be placed on weather-resistant vinyl printing and each artist will receive a $200 stipend.
Interested artists are invited to submit original, inspired and/or uplifting artwork by August 3 at bit.ly/ArtofTheBox. Details on submission parameters and the project can also be found on the Art of the Box web page. Anyone can submit artwork ideas free of charge. Art designs should enhance the surrounding environment and portray color and creativity.
“Let’s make people smile,” said Betsy Couch, KCCI Executive Director. “Artists can do this by submitting a proposal to exhibit their talent in the public realm. KCCI is excited to work alongside the City of Tallahassee, COCA, and our local artists to beautify neighborhoods and major thoroughfares.”
Art of the Box aims to engage artists and viewers of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, broadening exposure to and interest in public art. The project will stimulate local economies by welcoming cultural tourism and offer an economic incentive to empower local creatives. Research shows that artistic works in an area also tend to deter vandalism and graffiti.
The Traffic Control Boxes invite viewers to enjoy creations covering their physical box form, while still maintaining their intended safety function. This artistic initiative encourages creative experiences in unexpected public places by integrating artwork into non-traditional venues. Passing pedestrians and vehicle passengers can enjoy the artwork at their convenience.
This project supports the City of Tallahassee/Leon County Capital Area Cultural Plan that was adopted in 2014 by creating more art in public spaces. The plan outlines a vision and programmatic direction for public art in Tallahassee/Leon County. Public art projects are one of the categories of projects deemed to be most beneficial to the City of Tallahassee/Leon County. For more information about the Capital Area Cultural Plan, visit coca.tallahasseearts.org/about-coca/cultural-plan.
For more information and to submit artwork for consideration in Art of the Box, visit kccitallahassee.com/project/art-of-the-box/.
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