2026 Traffic Signal Control Box Art Wraps

The City of Kent Arts Commission, in partnership with the Public Works Department, seeks artists to design artwork to cover traffic signal controller cabinets. The selected artists will create artwork for cabinets in various locations throughout Kent.

This cross departmental partnership is intended to curb graffiti and create a visually dynamic and interesting environment in Kent by incorporating artwork on city traffic controller cabinets. Artwork will be fabricated onto vinyl wraps and installed on nine selected cabinets.

The artists will each create a design based on traffic controller cabinet specifications and locations to be provided. We are looking for artwork that provides color and vibrancy. Designs that are representative of some element(s) of the Kent community are encouraged.

Artists will provide fabrication-ready designs; Kent Arts Commission/City of Kent will coordinate and cover the cost of fabrication and installation.

Timeline:

Application deadline: April 23, 2026, 10:59 p.m. PT

Selection panel: Early May 2026

Artists notified: Approximately May 15, 2026

Artists create work: May-June 2026

Artists present proposals to Kent Arts Commission: July8, 2026

Artists submit final work for delivery to fabricator: August 3, 2026

Fabrication/installation: August-September 2026 (projected/weather dependent)

Evaluation/Selection Process

An Artist Selection Panel established by the Kent Arts Commission will evaluate submitted qualifications and select eight artists. Each artist will develop an original artwork proposal to present to the Kent Arts Commission for final review. The proposal should include a narrative explanation of the concept for the project; and sketches, renderings, or digital illustrations representing the Artist’s concept for the artwork the fairly depicts the design, color, and intent.

Selection Criteria:

Ÿ Quality of past work as demonstrated in submitted application materials

Ÿ Suitability of work for traffic controller cabinet locations

Ÿ Desire and capacity to consider Kent’s unique community, history, and character

Only Washington State-based artists are eligible.

All Artists are required to submit their qualification in the format specified below by April 23, 2026, 10:59 p.m. Qualification materials include:

1. Artist’s Statement: Limit to one (1) page, including a short narrative explaining interest in the project and general artistic approach.

2. Images: Limited to ten (10) images of previous work. Provide a brief description of each image, detailing the title, date, media, and dimensions of artwork.

3. Resume: Demonstrate professional history and skills, or experience as a professional working Artist.

Only qualifications submitted through CaFE will be reviewed.

Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred in preparing or responding to this request for qualifications. All materials and documents submitted become the property of the City and will not be returned.

Qualifications will not be accepted after the 4/23/26, 10:59 p.m. deadline.

This call is open to professional and emerging visual artists residing in Washington State, and working in any medium, so long as the final artwork can be translated and digitally reproduced on a two-dimensional vinyl wrap. Nine artists will be chosen from the pool of applicants to create one design each that wraps the four sides of a cabinet.