ArtBox 2015 Deadline For Submissions

Local artists are being asked to submit proposals to design and paint one out of six utility boxes as part of ArtBox 2015 in Salem. The winning artists will have their work in front of one million people for a year and will receive $500.

“I am very excited to announce the fifth round of Salem’s terrific ArtBox program,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll in a news release. “By the end of this season, 20 utility boxes will have been transformed into amazing works of art. I look forward to seeing what this year’s applicants propose and what they will ultimately contribute to Salem’s rapidly growing public art offerings. The ArtBox program is another positive component of our City’s on-going commitment to excellence and engagement in public artwork.”

In the hopes of promoting individual artists as well as the community’s burgeoning arts scene, ArtBox asks all interested to propose a piece of art that presents his or her visual interpretation of Salem’s cityscape, culture, community pride or art itself.

Project Background

A group of local art appreciators and community leaders came together at the end of 2011 to spearhead ArtBox, a program to transform these utilitarian eyesores into original works of art. For its fourth year, ArtBox 2015 is now being overseen by the newly-formed Public Art Commission as part of the City’s art initiatives.

Beyond adding to Salem’s spirit of creativity, sense of place and cultural identity, these boxes are meant to beautify and inspire.

Nuts & Bolts

Open to all skilled and talented artists, the deadline for submission is before 4:00 PM Monday, April 6th. The work will be judged by an independent group of creative professionals. For information about the program and to download submission requirements seesalem.com/pages/artbox or contact Deborah Greel at artbox@salem.com.

Last year’s winners’ are local artists: Heather Reid Barratt, Sheila Farren Billings, Matthew Curley, Scott Froeschi, Jennifer Hale and Emily Larsen.

Waters & Brown Paint & Decorating is the local sponsor and provides paint supplies.

Photo Credit: Salem, ArtBox 2014 by Sheila Farren Billings