Belmont Art Association Seeks Designs for “Transforming Belmont Public Art Project
Local artists over age 18 are invited to submit designs to create artwork for three of the town’s utility boxes, used to control traffic signals. Winning artists will be responsible for painting their assigned box.
The “Transforming Belmont” Public Art Project is a venture initiated and managed by the Belmont Art Association, a local nonprofit organization championing art and artists in the Belmont area, in cooperation with and approved by the Town of Belmont. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Belmont Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. This program has also been previously supported by the generosity of local realtor Anne Mahon, Belmont Wheelworks, and memorial donations by friends and family of Belmont artist Russell C. Badessa.
Traffic light control boxes (“Transformer Boxes”) are located at busy intersections and crosswalks throughout Belmont. Painting these drab utility boxes brings art out of museums and studios and into public view; beautifies our environment; adds interest to our commutes and walks; and provides opportunities for members of the community to create. To date 21 boxes have been painted (one a redo). Last year’s boxes are shown below:
2024 Transformer Boxes
2023 Transformer Boxes
2022 Transformer Boxes
2021 Transformer Boxes
2020 Transformer Boxes
INFORMATION – Transforming Belmont 2025
Timeline
Applications Available: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Design Selection and Approval: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Painting: May 19 – August 30, 2025
Eligibility
Open to local artists over 18, working independently or as a team. Up to three designs per artist or team may be submitted for consideration by the Selection Committee.
Design Guidelines
Artists should use the provided template to scale and submit their designs. If necessary, artists can indicate individual panels and the roof of the box separately instead of fitting them into the template. *There is significant variation in utility box size, so artists will need to modify their designs to fit once they are assigned a specific box to paint. Designs must be submitted using the actual colors and designs the artists plan to use. The Selection Committee must be able to visualize the final appearance of the entire box. Entries should use bold colors and designs easily visible from a distance. All sides, including the tops of the boxes, must be included in the designs. *Any round meter on the side of a box must NOT be painted, but the area around the meter should be included in the design. All concepts must be original and suitable for viewing by all ages. In addition to design submissions, artists must demonstrate their ability to carry out their proposals by sending supporting images or links to their other work with their application.
Design Inspiration
Design themes should be uplifting, attractive, and respectful while championing concepts currently under assault, such as: the environment, conservation, equality (sex, gender, race), justice, human rights, freedom of speech, the rights to have clean water and safe food, etc. “Good trouble” vibes welcome!
Selection Process
The Town of Belmont has designated which utility boxes will be painted. The Selection Committee will determine which designs will be used and assign boxes to winning artists. This year the Selection Committee is comprised of the Co-Chairs of the Belmont Art Association, the instructor of Belmont High School’s Advanced Placement Program in Studio Art, and Belmont’s Town Administrator. Criteria used to select artists will be based on demonstrated technical ability and artistic merit.
Artist’s Stipend
Three selected artists (or teams) will each be awarded a stipend of $500.00 to execute the painted design on the assigned transformer box. *These funds must be used to purchase the specific materials listed below. Awarded artists will receive a check upon documented full completion of their project.
Artist Responsibilities, Required Materials, and Instructions
Artists must follow the design approved by the Selection Committee for their assigned utility box. Artists must document their process with on-site photos. Artist(s) will be provided a document listing the necessary steps for painting (or repainting) a utility box to insure it will hold up to the environment for as long as possible. All sides, including the tops of the boxes, must be painted (a stepladder will be required). Artist(s) should sign their boxes and must credit sponsors the Belmont Art Association and the Belmont Cultural Council. The same acknowledgment should be on all online and printed PR materials. Boxes should be completed by August 30, 2025.
Box Locations – Transforming Belmont 2025
Pending
Download the Documents – Transforming Belmont 2024
Here are the links for all the documents you need to submit an entry:
TransformingBelmont-2025-Call-for-Entries
NOTE: The artwork will be a long-term installation and will become the property of the Town of Belmont.
Sponsorships
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Belmont Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.