Roswell Arts Fund and the City of Roswell, Georgia invite artists and teams to submit portfolios for consideration for an exciting painted utility box project. In a second round of the annual PUB (Painted Utility Box) Project, Roswell will be adding a number of boxes and concrete manhole covers to be completed by end of 2023. These boxes will be located throughout the city of Roswell and the manhole concrete risers will be painted along the Chattahoochee River.

Following selection, each of the boxes and risers will be uniquely themed and tailored working with each artist. Therefore, we invite those interested and experienced to submit their portfolios (up to 5 images) for consideration! The public art of Roswell showcases diverse and varied works, bringing joy, and improving quality of life to Roswell’s public spaces.

This invitation is extended to all qualified artists with no entry fee. 

We are seeking sponsors to assist with priming/prepping the boxes, but please plan to prime and prep the box.

Painted Utility Boxes & Infrastructure (PUB & I) is a collaboration between the Roswell Arts Fund and the City of Roswell. The utility boxes are owned and maintained by the City of Roswell.

About Roswell:                                          Modern Spirit. Southern Soul.

Roswell’s vision - A premier riverside community, connecting strong neighborhoods and the entrepreneurial spirit.

A getaway outside of city limits, Roswell is a welcoming town of southern charm. This community is surrounded by nature and steeped in history. Roswell is home to a wealth of artists, performance venues, nonprofit organizations, galleries, and historic homes. In addition, Roswell has become a robust dining destination, and enjoys a unique proximity to the Chattahoochee River with 22 parks and more than 1000 acres of active and passive parkland facilities. Visit http://www.visitroswellga.com/ for more information.

Specific PUB Objectives include:

• To inject creativity into our everyday built environment.
• By transforming our infrastructure into works of art, we can display our creativity in places small and large, while knitting together our community.
• Enhance the aesthetic appeal, interest, and experience for residents and visitors.

Length of Project:

• Painting is anticipated to be completed between October and December 2023 weather permitting.
• The exhibition will be considered open as painting begins in October 2023, and formally complete January 2023.
• The boxes and risers will be considered temporary as the longevity of the works will depend on weathering/maintenance needs.

Application Requirements

1. Artist/Team Info: full name, address, email & phone number, including any professional websites.
2. Artist Statement: A description of your work and how you approach painting. 500 words max.
3. Artwork & Details:
   • Each artist may submit FIVE (5) artworks for consideration. If submitting online, please submit via callforentry.org.
     • Image List that corresponds to each image included. Include details of each artwork, at minimum:
     • Title
     • Material types used in fabrication
     • Dimensions (HxWxD)
4. Résumé/CV (two-page maximum): PDF or .DOCX format preferred.
5. Artists are REQUIRED to complete a demographic survey to be considered.
   https://form.jotform.com/232564814154153

This information is collected anonymously and helps us report to our grantors as well as develop future programs to serve the Roswell communities.

If applying as artist team, please designate one team member as the primary contact and provide complete contact information for that person.

Eligibility Criteria

Artist and Artwork Eligibility:

• This call is open to all artists and artist teams with experience painting. Applicants may be under 18 if a parent or legal guardian will execute contract on their behalf. For non-local or regional artists that apply, there is no travel compensation.
• Artists are not required to have public art or mural experience, but it is highly encouraged as all painting is on-site, outdoors, and accessible to the public.
• All artwork created must be appropriate for all ages.
• Artists/teams will be selected based upon their quality of work and experience.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each submission will be evaluated on the following criteria:

ARTISTIC MERIT

• Does the artwork presented demonstrate high artistic merit?
• Is it artistically engaging and stimulating? Will it be appreciated by the public?
• Do the examples of work submitted support the artistic merit/quality of the Painted Utility Box project?

FEASIBILITY

• Does the artist/team have the experience to execute the work?

Public Art Selection Process and Panel:

• This panel is comprised of diverse Roswell stakeholders including business, civic and community leaders as well as art professionals.
• Finalists and up to three alternates will be selected.
• The Public Art Selection Panel reserves the right to solicit additional submissions publicly or directly to individual artists should the panel decide by majority that there are insufficient submissions for consideration.