Calling all artists: Can you think of a way to make a tall metal box more beautiful? The city of Manhattan Beach is looking to spruce up the utility boxes located across town with designs from local artists. 

Interested artists should apply soon: Applications and proposals for the project are due on October 12.

The Utility Box Beautification Project is a public art program designed to transform common traffic control utility boxes into distinctive works of art, creating a more vibrant, attractive cityscape. This program, which is supervised and facilitated by the Cultural Arts Commission and city staff, aims to celebrate local artists and their artwork, to serve a deterrent to graffiti, and to involve local residents in contributing to the beautification of the city.

The project is set to roll out in multiple phases. For phase one, twelve boxes located in different sections of the city have been selected. For this phase, only artists from South Bay Beach Cities will be eligible to apply with preference given to those living, working or attending classes in the City of Manhattan Beach.

The artwork theme is encouraged to represent various aspects of the city’s iconic history, past and present, and/or reflect the specific neighborhood or area of the box location. (A map of utility boxes is available here.)

The selected artists will receive a $500 stipend.

For more information, see the flyer and application, or contact Cultural Arts Supervisor Eilen R. Stewart.