San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project – Utility Box “Art With a Purpose” – CALL TO ARTISTS

utility box

Utility Box Painting Program returns to San Rafael!

What: The San Rafael Leadership Institute Class of 2024 “Art with a Purpose” project promotes creating a healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community.

Why: Install art on existing infrastructure, aiming to inspire residents, job seekers, and employers by promoting chamber values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities. Specifically, we plan to feature a creative interpretation of these values through Utility boxes designed by local artists.  This is a project of the San Rafael Leadership Institute, a program of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.

We are seeking artists to submit their ideas for additional Utility Box painting to occur during May 2024. Focusing on the pillars of: ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, HEALTH,  INCLUSION, SUSTAINABILITY, ECONOMIC VITALITY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.  We are seeking to engage the local Artistic Community in capturing the essence of one of these topics per box.  Each box will have a QR code (to be provided) incorporated into the design linking agencies that pertain to the topic.

OVERVIEW:

  • Artists are asked to submit an idea sketch, about one of the above topics by March 21
  • All sketches must focus on the Goals and Pillars of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
  • Artists will be paid a stipend for their time and materials- $1,000
  • Artists must have experience in creating large-scale creative work

Site Locations: There will be roughly 6 utility boxes throughout the City of San Rafael that will be selected for this project. The locations are TBD.

Project Timeline: (subject to change)

  • March 1: Announcement and distribution of RFP
  • March 21: Deadline for receipt of proposals
  • March 28: All submissions reviewed and finalists selected
  • April 4: Final Artists asked to submit final proposals for approval
  • April 11: Art design finalized and approved
  • April 18: Work begins
  • May 6/7 : Work finalized
  • May 10 : 2nd Friday Artwalk & Unveiling Event
Selection Process: The following will be considered in the selection process by the committee:
  • Artist met the requirements outlined in the RFP; the proposal was submitted by the deadline.
  • Attention to the mission of the project and Chamber goals
  • Design committee may ask for alterations or alternative design ideas
  • Evidence of artist ability to create large-scale, distinctive work
  • Originality and creativity