Utility Box Art Program

Utility Box Art Program

Funder: City of Rohnert Park Foundation

Program Status: Approved by City Council on February 10, 2026

Geographic Scope: Rohnert Park, CA - Local artists only

Overview:
The Rohnert Park Utility Box Art Program invites local artists to create original artwork on public utility boxes (traffic control boxes owned by the City) to enhance the urban environment, deter graffiti, and foster community pride.

Purpose & Benefits

• Beautifying the City: Transform infrastructure along major thoroughfares (e.g., Rohnert Park Expressway) into vibrant canvases
• Deterring Graffiti: Replace blank surfaces with dedicated public art to prevent graffiti
• Fostering Local Pride: Platform for local artists to tell the community's story through themes related to parks, events, and city spirit
• Supporting Local Artists: Direct funding provided through the Rohnert Park Foundation

Program Details

• Annual Program Cycle: July to July
• Total Budget: $30,000 per year
• Funding per Box: $2,000 for each of 15 utility boxes
• Payment Structure: Artists receive 50% upfront to begin work; remaining 50% upon project completion
• Artist Eligibility: Local Rohnert Park artists
• Artwork Themes: Should reflect the city's distinct character, diversity of art and painting styles, multi-cultural heritage, or images of leisure, inspiration, and beauty

Technical Specifications

Artists may use one of two methods: 1. Painted Boxes: High-quality, outdoor-rated paint (acrylic mural paint). City provides anti-graffiti topcoat product number; artist applies upon completion 2. Vinyl Wraps: Digitally reproduced on UV-resistant vinyl wrap. Artist manages fabrication and professional installation

Prohibitions

• No copyrighted or trademarked images
• No plagiarized, stolen, or copied elements
• Entries must not defame or invade rights of any living or deceased person
• No words or text; visual imagery only
• Cannot mimic traffic control devices, traffic lights, traffic signs, or their colors
• Cannot paint over box ID numbers, codes, keyholes, meters, handles, or restrict box function
• No "obscene" or "harmful matter" as defined by California Penal Code 313.1
• Paintings cannot differ from approved design template (except necessary adjustments)

Important Disclaimers

• City reserves right to decline any applications/proposals
• City reserves right to remove, paint over, or replace any artwork at its sole discretion at any time for any reason (damage, safety concerns, policy changes)
• Boxes constitute Government Speech, not a public forum for private expression

Contact Information

Technical Assistance:
• Senior Analyst, Paul Carey
• Phone: (707) 585-6754
• Email: pcarey@rpcity.org
• Questions about material requirements, paint options, anti-graffiti process

General Contact:

City of Rohnert Park

Address: 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-1180

Phone: (707) 588-2226

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm