painting a BOX
Who can paint a BOX?
Anyone can apply to paint a BOX - you don't need to be a famous artist. Families, professional or first time artists, school groups, kids or elders can get involved. If you are under 18, a supervising adult must sign in with you.
The requirements for each project can vary but as a rule four essentials are that:
- You must live, work or study in the municipality of the BOX
- You must have your design approved by Urban Smart Projects
- You must abide by the details outlined in the Participant Agreement (which you sign and return before painting your BOX)
- You must use the paint and safety equipment that we provide to you
How long does it take?
Process steps and timeframes:
- Allocate a suitably located BOX to yourself > allocation is for one month while you work on your design
- Submit your design > generally one week for approval or otherwise although this can vary project to project
- Set your painting dates and return the signed Participant Agreement > once your design is approved you have two months to start painting and one month to complete the artwork. Once you have nominated your painting dates we then schedule your Equipment Pack delivery and provide your Authority to Paint Notice. Please note that deliveries are once a week so generally Agreements received after COB on Mondays will be delivered the following week.
- Equipment Pack delivery > as mentioned above once you receive your Equipment Pack you have one month to complete the artwork and return the Pack however if bad weather has prevented you from painting please let us know so that we can look to extend your approved painting dates. Please note that completing the artwork promptly is ideal to avoid the possibility of the BOX being tagged while you are in the process of painting it.
- Submit photos and provide feedback > as long as the photos are of good quality, your artwork has been carried out in accordance with your approved design and the Equipment Pack has been returned we aim to get your artwork published on the website as soon as possible.
General information on designing an artwork for a BOX
Your design needs replicate the dimensions of the BOX you are painting. You will need to paint all the sides of the BOX that are visible and provide a design for each side. Repeating designs on sides of the BOX is OK.
The dimensions for most Traffic Signal Boxes (TSBs) are: 140 cm high x 80 cm wide x 42 cm deep. Specific design templates are downloadable from the artist dashboard.
You can use original artworks that have already been created provided you own the copyright and Intellectual Property of the artworks. You need to name your artwork and write a background statement. You may sign your artwork. Signatures need to be no more than 30cms by 10cms (actual size) on the BOX and may include the copyright sign "(c)".
What designs will be approved?
Designs need to have small areas of blank colour to reduce the likelihood of graffiti tagging occurring. Artworks should be brightly coloured and not use too many dark colours as this can cause the BOX to overheat.
Urban Smart Projects acknowledges that everyone relates to his or her community and local surrounds differently. In general designs need to be positive, original and colourful. Specific theming for particular projects may apply; if any theming is applicable it will be emailed to you once you have allocated a BOX. Generally designs must provide meaning to at least one of the following:
- The immediate environment
- The character or culture of the suburb
- The history of the area
- Community pride
Designs will not be approved if they involve:
- A breach of Intellectual Property Rights (somebody else's idea)
- Trademarks, brand or business names, logos or copyrighted images
- Images of a potentially offensive or sensitive nature as determined by Urban Smart Projects
- Collage or gluing anything onto the BOX
- Images that resemble illegal graffiti or tags
What is provided?
Approved participants are supplied with an Equipment Pack that includes high quality acrylic paint, safety cones, safety vests, drop sheets, some disposable mixing palettes, rags and keyhole and ID plate protectors for the BOX where applicable. Participants need to supply their own paint brushes and water for cleaning up. Useful tips about the painting experience and extra items that you may find helpful to take with you can be found here.
How long do BOX Artworks last?
BOX artworks last from 6 months to 6 years. Please remember that the BOXES we paint are primarily pieces of equipment and may need to be replaced or removed at any time. Urban Smart Projects has no control over routine or emergency replacements BOXES.
Great, how do I get started?
Check to see if there are any BOXES available to paint in your area. If there are, go to the ARTIST LOGIN page and register. Once registered please follow the steps outlined on the WEB STEPS page. You’ll need to allocate a BOX to yourself and then start working on your design.
