2025 Traffic Box Public Art Project

CALL for ARTISTS

The City of Whitewater is calling on artists to help transform everyday infrastructure into vibrant works of public art through the 2025 Traffic Box Public Art Project, Artful Transformation. This exciting initiative will enhance the city’s downtown area by turning eight traffic signal control boxes into unique, community-inspired pieces.

The goal of Artful Transformation is to celebrate Whitewater’s identity, creativity, and community spirit while providing local and regional artists with a platform to showcase their talents. Through this project, the City aims to enrich public spaces with artwork that reflects Whitewater’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and bright vision for the future.

Call for Artists

The City of Whitewater invites artists to submit proposals for original artwork to be displayed on traffic boxes throughout the downtown area. Selected artists will receive a stipend of up to $3,000 per box to cover materials and labor.

Eligibility: The opportunity is open to individual artists or artist teams, with preference given to those with a strong connection to Whitewater. All selected artists must sign an artist agreement and a hold harmless release.

Submission Requirements:

  • Proposal Description: A concept statement outlining the vision, themes, and preferred traffic box locations.

  • Visuals: Sketches or mock-ups of original artwork designed for all four sides and the top of the traffic box.

  • Budget: An itemized breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, and contingency planning (up to $3,000 per traffic box).

  • Resume or Bio: Information about the artist or team’s background and artistic experience.

  • Portfolio: Up to three examples of past work.

A Public Art Committee, composed of representatives from the Whitewater Arts Alliance, City Council, local artists, and other community leaders, will review all submissions. The selected designs will become part of the City of Whitewater’s public art collection, with credit given to the artists.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: February 12, 2025

  • Submission Deadline: April 16, 2025

  • Artist Selection Announced: May 7, 2025 (Notifications of winners will be announced on the City of Whitewater Web Site via press release and sent to all local publications, and in an email to the selected artists.)

  • Painting Period: June - August 2025

  • Celebration Ceremony: September 13, 2025, at 10 AM at the Bridge Fountain/Traffic Box area

Please note that on September 13th the City will also be hosting Food Truck Festival at the Cravath Lakefront Park. Further, the Whitewater Arts Alliance will be hosting the

Fabrics of our Community exhibit at the White Building at 11 AM.

Artists interested in applying can find the application form online at www.whitewater-wi.gov/618/Public-Art-Projects or request a copy by contacting Taylor Zeinert, Economic Development Director, via email at tzeinert@whitewater-wi.gov or by phone at 262-473-0148.

The City of Whitewater looks forward to seeing the community’s creative talents on display and invites artists to help turn the city’s traffic boxes into engaging, meaningful works of art.

For media inquiries, please contact:

  • Taylor Zeinert

  • Economic Development Director

  • City of Whitewater

  • tzeinert@whitewater-wi.gov

  • 262-473-0148

Resources

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