The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) is seeking qualifications from artists (or artist teams) who are 18 years or older and reside within 100 miles of Sacramento to be considered for the Capitol Area Development Authority’s traffic utility box public art plan. Artists will be selected based on past work and paid $500 to create a design that will be transferred to vinyl, and wrapped around a City of Sacramento utility box. The deadline for receipt of sealed applications is Friday, January 17, 2014 by 5pm to the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission located at 300 Richards Blvd. 2nd floor, Sacramento, CA 95811. Selected artists will be expected to complete their utility art box designs by March 30, 2014. Click the following audio player to listen to Todd Leon, CADA’s R Street Development Manager, talking with Carol Winkler, correspondent for Family Radio’s “Community Issues” segment about the project.
CADA’s goal for funding this neighborhood project is to instill community pride , create highly visible public art and deter graffiti “tags” from appearing on the utility boxes. Additionally, this project is about connecting artists with creative opportunities.
“The potential concepts and themes that are submitted will guide the placement and style of the art wraps. We hope to be sensitive to the history of the neighborhood while also allowing room for creative expression,” said Wendy Saunders, CADA Executive Director.
The 30 identified utility boxes are owned and operated by the City of Sacramento and are primarily located in CADA’s project area. The wraps will be designed by artists, transferred to vinyl and then applied using a standard fabrication and installation method. Artists can use a variety of media; photography, painting, collage, and digital imagery to develop their designs.
Artist can view the Call for Artists Request for Qualification on the Arts in Public Places webpage at www.sacmetroarts.org/calls-for-artists.html
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CADA is a unique public agency charged with creating new urban infill housing; managing residential and commercial properties owned by the state; and enhancing the State Capitol environment. CADA functions much like a private property management and development company. It is a “joint powers authority,” created by a partnership between the State of California and the City of Sacramento. Its revenue is used to manage the state residential and commercial property portfolio; initiate private development of new housing; and to enhance the Capitol area for the enjoyment of the state workforce, local residents and visitors to the Capitol.