TO: Chair and Members of the Board
FROM: Diane Colonna, Executive Director
DATE: April 12, 2017
Title
UTILITY BOX PUBLIC ART PROJECT
BACKGROUND: Over the past several months City and CRA staff have been gathering background information from surrounding cities on utility box art. Not only is public art on utility boxes a great way to add color and culture to the City, but it is a deterrent to graffiti and other illegal destruction of property. Located within the city limits there are 36 boxes total, of which 24 are within the MCRA district.
As part of the project a Call to Artists application has been prepared to obtain designs for the wraps. The Call suggests themes related to the lifestyle in Margate including, but not limited to waterways, green spaces, and/or people (community). Once artists are selected the next phase of the project will be obtaining bids from wrap companies and starting with 11 utility boxes located on Atlantic Blvd, Coconut Creek Pkwy, and Copans Rd.
The remaining boxes in the MCRA district will be phased in over the next year, as they are located on state roads and will take longer to obtain a permit. It is estimated that the cost per box including art will be approximately $2,000 (art, permit, wrap, and installation).
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and input on the Margate Utility Box Public Art Project & Call to Artist Application.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds have been allocated 340-0510-512-67-02 Public Art Program in the amount of $25,000.
CONTACT PERSON: Danielle Sabat, Marketing Coordinator