PEABODY — The city is seeking applications for its Outside the Box mural project that will see local artists transform four utility boxes into works of art.
The project, a collaboration between the Community Development Department, Peabody Fire Department, Peabody Municipal Light Plant, and the Community Development Block Grant, seeks to “focus on community pride and enhance visual aesthetics in the neighborhood.”
“The primary project goal is to bring art to unexpected places,” the city said in a statement.
Artists have until noon on Aug. 1 to complete an application and artist agreement, both of which are available on the city’s website. Applications should be returned to Lucia DelNegro/Outside the Box Project, Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960 or emailed to [email protected].
The utility boxes slated for transformation this year are spread throughout the city, with two boxes located at Constitution Park, another on Lowell Street across from City Hall, and the final box on Prospect Street.
The city is asking artists to theme their proposals for Constitution Park around the park itself and what it means to them. Proposals for the Lowell Street box should be themed around the city’s cultural diversity, and the winning artwork will be chosen by participants at the Galleria during the International Festival on Sept. 10. There is no set theme for the Prospect Street box.
The contest is open to all artists who follow the guidelines, which include requirements that door hinges, vents, levers, handles, keyholes, and locks not be painted, and that artists not paint over any identification numbers or codes on the box. The vents on the boxes should not be covered, even temporarily, while they are being painted.
Artists must accurately represent their artwork in the application, and be willing to adjust it to fit the size of the boxes, which may vary from the specifications in the application.
As part of the project, artists will be awarded an $800 stipend, inclusive of all artist fees, paints, and materials, if their proposal is selected by the Outside the Box Review Committee. The committee will consist of city staff, art professionals, and members of the community, according to the statement.
Proposals will be judged on creativity, community pride, originality, and “appropriate regard for the nature of the space and the audience.”
All submitted proposals will become property of the city, though the artist owns the copyright of selected artwork and may use it for portfolio purposes but not commercial purposes for a period of two years after its completion. The completion date is determined by the date the art is given its final topcoat and is reviewed by the committee.
Proposals may be deemed ineligible if they contain copyrighted or trademarked logos, a brand or business name, art that is plagiarized, stolen, or copied, collage or any other materials that would be glued to a box, anything that could be considered defamatory or invading the rights of another person, or anything that could be construed as harmful to a third party.
All utility boxes must be painted and approved by Oct. 13 (weather-permitting), though more time may be given to the artist chosen at the Galleria.
