Campus Beautification Initiative:
Utility Box Art Project
Photo Credit: Caitlyn Perillo
Cal Poly is spearheading an effort to beautify the campus through the painting of utility infrastructures such as utility boxes and similar infrastructure into canvases for works of public art in order to enhance the vibrancy of campus, showcase local talent, and deter graffiti. The Utility Box Art Project will provide an opportunity to introduce themes to campus, create a sense of place and identity, and inspire thought. It will also be a chance to showcase artistic talent and encourage the Cal Poly community to engage with their surroundings. The Utility Box Art Project is a fun and unique opportunity for Cal Poly students, faculty, staff, and community members to add their creative touches to the campus landscape.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to:
- Students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Local community members
- Team of students or faculty (with a designated lead artist)
Artists must have the skills and artistic vision required to complete the project to the highest degree of creative display and artistic expertise. Qualifying applicants must be currently enrolled or actively employed by Cal Poly or live in the San Luis Obispo community at the time of application. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines to determine if they have the necessary skills, experience, and creative vision to complete the project.
Utility Box Art Project Guidelines
ARTWORK GUIDELINES
Artwork must be original and may not contain advertising, religious art, sexual, violent or related content, negative imagery, drug use, culturally offensive imagery, political partisanship or any prohibited CSU activities (see http://www.catalog.calpoly.edu/universitypolicies/ for details).
ARTIST STIPEND
Artists will receive a $250 VISA gift card to cover necessary materials (paint, brushes, drop cloth, etc.)
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
Applications submitted will be reviewed by the Facilities Management & Development and a selection committee (Art Jury) consisting of campus stakeholders. If the number of qualifying applications does not meet the number of features available, the selection process may be reopened.
Criteria used to select artists:
- Evaluation of artistic proficiency and creative innovation
- Appropriateness of scale, form, material, content and design
- Relevancy to theme and campus location
- Contribution to campus character and vibrancy
The University reserves the right to refuse entries. Selected artwork must meet the California Polytechnic Design Guidelines and receive final approval by the Senior Vice President of Administration & Finance.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
October: Call for Artists
March 15: Application Deadline
March - April: Art Jury Review and Selection
April: Artist Selection Announcement
Spring Quarter: Artists Complete Project
APPLICATION PROCESS
Artists must submit the following materials in PDF format via email to af@calpoly.edu. Additional materials submitted will not be reviewed.
- Application
- Portfolio: Up to five (5) images of artwork that shows artist’s ability to complete this project.
- Conceptual Rendering(s): up to three (3) conceptual renderings of preferred box location site below link. Renderings must be in full color and depict the finished artwork as accurately as possible.
Utility Box Art Box Project - Layout Template
Utility Box Art Project Application*Application will download first, then you can type and save as under file name.
SUBMISSION AND DEADLINE
All application materials must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 15. Incomplete or late submittals may not be considered.
Questions?
Office of the Vice President for Administration & Finance