Downtown San Rafael's Utility Box Art Program
The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (SRBID) created a Utility Box Art Program in 2026 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. Check out photos below!
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.
Downtown San Rafael Utility Box Art Walk Launch!
Friday, October 9 at 5:30 PM
We’re celebrating the completion of Downtown’s five newest works of public art and launching the new self-guided Utility Box Art Walk!
Join the artists and Downtown San Rafael BID at Tutu Lounge at 5:30 PM, then follow along as we walk Downtown to see the colorful new utility boxes and meet the artists behind them.
Afterward, keep exploring Downtown during the 2nd Friday Art Walk and enjoy dinner, drinks and shopping along the way!
Can’t make it Friday? No problem! The Utility Box Art Walk is permanent, use our new self-guided map to discover all five boxes anytime.
PHOTOS FROM 2026 PROJECT:
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSOR:
