CALL FOR ARTISTS
Utility Box Art Project
“Where Else But Dublin”
CALL ISSUE DATE: March 3, 2026
CALL DEADLINE: April 20, 2026, 12:00 a.m.(midnight)
The City of Dublin invites qualified professional artists and student artists working
under the supervision of a professional artist or art teacher to submit designs for
painted utility boxes.
Utility Box Art is popular throughout the Bay Area as a cost-effective way to bring
public art to City streets, define neighborhoods and deter graffiti. All the boxes are
traffic signal cabinets owned by the City of Dublin. Boxes will be awarded to up to ten
different artists based on design.
The City will pay a stipend of $1,000 to each artist or, if the artist is a student or student
team, to the supervising professional artist or art teacher. The stipend is intended to
cover the cost of the artist's design fee as well as the materials that will be necessary to
paint the utility box.
Artists are responsible for preparing, painting, and sealing the utility boxes. The City
will provide the materials to clean, primer, and seal the utility box, while artists are
required to provide all necessary high quality, professional painting materials.
Approved paint brands include Nova Color, Golden Artist Colors, Liquidtex
Professional Acrylics, Viponds Paint, or approved equal.
Artwork created under this program is considered temporary artwork and the property
of the City of Dublin. As such, the City retains the right and sole discretion to remove,
modify or replace the artwork. Situations in which the City may exercise this right
include if the image or utility box is damaged, if the artist fails to complete the painting
as shown on the approved design rendering or if the artist fails to complete the painting
in a timely fashion.
Artist must reside within the nine Bay Area Counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin,
Napa, San Fracisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma).
The artist’s name, artwork title, and photo of the artwork will be featured on the City of
Dublin website and other promotional materials.
DESIGN THEME:
• “Where Else But Dublin" is a theme developed for this year’s utility box art
project where the artist’s interpretation is encouraged to be as creative as
possible when developing images and designs that capture this theme.
• A QR code, approximately 3”x 3” will be placed near the bottom of your artwork
so please keep that in mind while designing.
• In addition to the themes, proposing artists are encouraged to review the City’s
existing utility box art collection and develop proposals that are unique and
unlike anything the City already has. To view the current utility box art
collection please visit https://dublin.ca.gov/1928/Utility-Box-Art
ARTWORK LOCATION:
All utility boxes are located at intersections within the City of Dublin. 2026 utility box
locations:
1. Amador Plaza Rd x Amador Valley Blvd
2. Tassajara Dr x Gleason Dr
3. Tassajara Dr x Fallon Rd
4. Fallon Rd x Silvera Ranch Dr.
5. Dublin Blvd x Carnimore Place
6. Dublin Blvd x Glynnis Rose
7. Dublin Blvd x Sierra Ct.
8. Arnold Dr. x Horizon Pkwy.
Artists may specify which utility box they are interested in painting, or if they have no
preference. However, the City reserves the right to assign utility boxes at its discretion.
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:
• Artwork should align with the design them as stated above.
• Artwork should follow the City’s Values, which are part of the adopted Mission
and Vision statements. Values include safety, inclusivity, diversity, equality, and
history. To view the City’s full Mission and Vision statements please visit
www.dublin.ca.gov/72/Mission-Vision.
• Artwork must be suitable for all ages and in keeping with community values.
• Artwork must be an original design and the artwork of the applicant.
• Artwork must be painted in fade-resistant acrylic paint.
• Artwork may include the artist’s signature, no larger than 5”x 7.”
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ART SELECTION PROCESS:
Staff will review applications for completeness. The Heritage and Cultural Arts
Commission will review designs at its May 7, 2026, meeting and make
recommendations to the City Council. The City Council will review recommended
designs and select artists at its regular meeting June 2, 2026. These dates are tentative
and subject to change.
Selected artists will be asked to sign a Public Art Agreement, including standard
liability waiver and release. In the case of underage artists, the City will enter into the
agreement with the supervising professional artist or art teacher. Underage artists and
underage painting assistants will be required to have a parent sign the liability waiver
and release.
PROCESS:
City Staff will coordinate with the artist, other City departments and neighboring
businesses or homeowners to select a mutually agreeable three-month painting period
between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026.
Artists are responsible for prepping the utility box, painting the design, and sealing
with a clear anti-graffiti coating. The City will provide supplies for the artist to prep and
seal the utility boxes. Artists are responsible for purchasing their own painting supplies.
Artists are expected to clean and primer the utility box, paint the entire utility box
including the side boxes and pipes, and seal the utility box when the painting is
complete. Artists may not paint over key holes, meters, or numbers.
Artists may enlist painting assistants. All painting assistants must sign a liability waiver
and release. Underage painting assistants must have a parent sign the liability waiver
and release.
Student artists must be supervised by a professional artist, who is ultimately
responsible for the artwork of the student. Student artists must provide their
professional artist’s qualifications with their application. Student artists and their
teacher/professional artist will be required to meet with Staff prior to starting the
project, to ensure they understand the City’s expectations.
Upon completion of the utility box, City Staff will meet with the artist at the site to
inspect/approve the artwork and take a publicity photo of the artist with their
completed utility box.
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PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The proposal must be submitted as a digital file by email. Provide one digital copy
(pdf). A complete proposal will include the elements listed below:
a. Completed Coversheet: Use form provided at the end of this application.
b. Design Rendering: The provided template must be used for color renderings of
your proposed design for the box (Exhibit A), showing all four sides and the top
of the utility box. Artists may submit up to three separate designs. However,
each proposed design must have its own separate color renderings page.
Additionally, due to electronic component inside of the utility boxes, it is
recommended that artists use lighter color paints to reduce heat absorption.
c. Location: If you wish to be considered for a specific box location or locations,
please label the rendering with the utility box number. If you have no preference,
label the rendering “Any.” Label each rendering with your name.
d. Artist Qualifications: One page resume of each artist involved. Student artists
should include their own biographies/resumes, no longer than one page, as well
as that of the professional artist or art teacher who serves as the team’s
supervisor.
e. Title & Artist Statement: Provide a brief statement and title (100 words or less)
about your proposed artwork. This could include your source of inspiration, the
significance of the image(s) or a comment on the style or technique you have
proposed. Each proposed design must have its own artist statement.
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
All proposals must be received by Henry Siu, Recreation Coordinator, by Monday,
April 20, 2026, 12:00 AM (midnight). It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify the
receipt of the electronic proposal by the scheduled deadline.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTAL:
Submit one digital copy (pdf) by email to: henry.siu@dublin.ca.gov
Subject: “Dublin Utility Box Art Project 2026.”
a) Completed Proposal Coversheet
b) One page resume
c) Color design rendering using the provided utility box template (limit 3 designs)
d) Title of the art and Artist Statement describing the design(s)
COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING TO THE PROPOSAL:
The City of Dublin shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the artist(s) in
responding to this request for a design proposal.
SUBMIT YOUR DIGITAL PROPOSAL PACKET AND COVERSHEET TO:
Staff:
Phone:
Email:
Henry Siu, Recreation Coordinator
City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services Department
(925) 556-4509
Henry.Siu@dublin.ca.gov
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
