Drab functional municipal utility boxes in the City of Manteca are destined to become works of art.

The city is getting ready to launch the Utility Box Art Program.

And selected artists will be paid $300 per utility box with a limit of three utility boxes per applicant.

“We want to create a sense of place,” said City Manager Toni Lundgren.

The endeavor is similar to what other cities have done.

The initial round to provide artists with the opportunity to create vibrant, public artwork that celebrates Manteca’s history, culture, legacy, architecture, and diversity while beautifying the city starts with the application period opening on Monday, Feb. 9.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 9.

Selections will be made in May. Submission of application does not guarantee selection.

The city has a list of criteria they will judge all submissions by.

Manteca has pre-selected the utility boxes that will be part of the art program.

The initial round will definitely include downtown plus other commercial and residential locations throughout the city.

All of the utility boxes are city property.

The city has been working in the art box program for several years after securing a grant to help replace aging utility boxes throughout Manteca.

The artists will be paid for with funds from the city’s economic development account.

The program is open to professional and emerging artists.

Artists must be at least 16 years of age to participate. Youths will require parental permission.

Up to three submissions of art work are allowed per artist. It must be original art and suitable for viewing by those of all ages.

Artists will retain copyright to their work although the city will have the right to reproduce and display the artwork for public purposes.

Participants are responsible for providing all material to complete their artwork. The city will provide material specifications.

Once a design is selected, artists will receive 50 percent of the payment upfront and the balance when work is completed.

In addition, artists will maintain their artwork for two years. They may be consulted for necessary repairs or restoration work as needed.

The application form can be downloaded at manteca.gov or hard copies can be picked up at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.

Turning ultity box shells

into community artwork

Lundgren noted public art can create a unique sense of being for the community.

In downtown, it will complement 30 plus murals commissioned by the Manteca Mural Society over the years as the city’s marquee public arts endeavor.

The city has also been experimenting with other avenues to introduce public art in more areas controlled by the city.

An example is a pilot “art crosswalk” on Center Street by the library, community garden, and tennis courts.

The city uses blue and green for the usual white bar of a high visibility crosswalk.

Those same colors can be found on nearby concrete picnic tables with attached benches that are typically a light beige.

The city also commissioned a mural for a shipping container used for community garden storage that sits to the north of the tennis courts.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com