Utility Box Art Program – Downtown San Rafael

The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (SRBID) wanted to create this Utility Box Art Program to help turn City street light utility boxes into colorful pieces of public art by local artists!

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

2026 Program Launch: In early 2026, SRBID launched the first phase of the permanent Utility Box Art Program with five new painted utility boxes in Downtown San Rafael, sponsored by the Downtown San Rafael Arts District. The 2026 theme is “San Rafael, The Heart of Marin.” Artists were invited to create bold, welcoming designs that celebrate Downtown San Rafael’s creativity, diversity, culture, and sense of place.

Photos Coming Soon!  The 2026 utility boxes will be painted in Fall 2026. Check back soon for photos of the completed artwork and artist features.

2026 Timeline:

• Spring 2026: Call for Artists released
• May 2026: Artist submissions reviewed and finalists selected
• Summer 2026: Designs reviewed and approved
• August–September 2026: Utility boxes prepared and painted
• Fall 2026: Completed boxes celebrated Downtown

Interested in getting involved?

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