City of Fremont boxART! Program

Calling Artists for Fremont’s boxART! Program!
Help bring more art to Fremont! The City of Fremont invites professional artists to submit proposals for the next phase of boxART!, a public art program that transforms traffic signal control boxes into beautiful painted works of art. Bay Area and local artists are especially encouraged to apply.
This year’s theme, “Creating Exceptional Experiences,” invites artists to share what makes Fremont a meaningful place to live, work, and play. Designs may draw inspiration from the people, places, and everyday experiences that bring our community together. The call is open through November 15, 2026.

NOTE: Your proposal must use the City-provided boxART! template. 

NOTE: Your proposal must use the City-provided boxART! template. 

The City of Fremont’s boxART! program invites professional artists to submit artwork proposals to transform traffic signal control boxes into unique works of public art! Selected artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work while helping beautify Fremont’s neighborhoods and expand the City’s collection of public art.

ELIGIBILITY: 

The Call for Artists is open to professional artists ages 18 and older who have experience working with paint. Artists may apply individually or as a team. Local artists to the Bay Area are preferred.

THEME: 

“Creating Exceptional Experiences”. The theme is inspired by the reasons why people live, work, and play in Fremont. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme through artwork that celebrates the people, parks, programs, natural spaces, recreation, arts, culture, and everyday moments that contribute to Fremont’s vibrant community and high quality of life. The theme also reflects Fremont’s recognition as one of America’s happiest cities, encouraging artwork that inspires connection, belonging, and community pride. 

ARTIST STIPEND: 

Selected artists will receive one $1,000 stipend per completed traffic signal control box to support their time, materials, and project-related expenses.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 

11:59 PM PST on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

Artists must submit their proposal online through Call For Entry. Each artist/team may submit up to ten original artwork designs. Submission of multiple designs does not guarantee selection for multiple boxes.

The application will request the following:

• Artist name, contact information, social media, website
• Brief biography
• Artwork design using the City-provided boxART! Template. Detailed and in color. Pencil sketches or rough drawings will not be accepted.  
• Brief description of the proposed artwork and its connection to the program theme
• Examples of previous works

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

Artwork must be original and designed for direct application to a traffic signal control box using exterior-grade acrylic paint. Artists must use the City-provided boxART! template. Actual boxes may vary slightly from the template, and minor adjustments may be necessary during implementation.

SELECTION PROCESS

Submissions will be evaluated based on artistic quality, creativity, and originality; interpretation of the program theme; visual impact at the public scale; suitability for direct application to a traffic signal control box; artist experience and demonstrated ability to complete the project; and compliance with program requirements.

Proposals will be presented to the Art Review Board (ARB) for final artist selection.

SELECTED ARTIST REQUIREMENTS

Selected artists will be required to:

• Complete all required City agreements and documentation before beginning work
• Attend a virtual artist orientation
• Provide their own painting materials and supplies. The City will clean and prime each box before the artist begins painting and will apply a UV-resistant protective coating after the artwork is completed.
• Coordinate their painting schedule with City staff
• Complete their assigned box by June 30, 2027

Artists who anticipate being unable to complete their artwork should contact the boxART! Coordinator Leah Andrews as soon as possible.

QUESTIONS

For questions regarding the Call for Artists or application process, contact:

boxART! Program
City of Fremont Community Services Department
boxart@fremont.gov

Website: https://city.fremont.gov/boxart

Template: https://city.fremont.gov/boxarttemplate 

• Artist name, contact information, social media, website
• Brief biography
• Artwork design using the City-provided boxART! Template. Detailed and in color. Pencil sketches or rough drawings will not be accepted.  
• Brief description of the proposed artwork and its connection to the program theme
• Examples of previous works

The Call for Artists is open to professional artists ages 18 and older who have experience working with paint. Artists may apply individually or as a team. Local artists to the Bay Area are preferred.