Utility Box Art Pilot Program – Downtown San Rafael

The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (SRBID) is launching a Pilot Utility Box Art Program to transform everyday utility boxes into vibrant public art by local artists, bringing color, and creativity to our downtown streets.

This program builds on earlier utility box art projects created by the San Rafael Chamber Leadership Institute class projects in 2019 and again in 2024, which brought the first waves of painted boxes to San Rafael.

The new permanent program will expand that effort in 2026, and with multiple locations throughout Downtown San Rafael receiving new artwork. The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) is sponsoring the launch of this program and the painting of 5 utility boxes in 2026.

The Utility Box Art Program is coordinated by SRBID in partnership with the Downtown San Rafael Arts District and the City of San Rafael. The SRBID will manage the program from start to finish, including maintaining the program website, facilitating sponsorship sign-ups, hosting open calls for artists, guiding designs through the City’s public art approval process, and coordinating box preparation, painting, and unveilings.

This is a permanent program designed to grow over time as new boxes are sponsored and new artists are selected!

Interested in getting involved?

Local artists can apply to be considered for future utility box projects, and businesses or community members can sponsor a utility box to help bring new public art to Downtown. Applications and sponsorship opportunities will be posted below.