In 2010, the Utility Box program was conceived by The City of Calgary as a highly successful graffiti abatement measure. Today, The City works with artist students, professionals and community groups to add street-level vibrancy to its cityscapes. Over 140 public artworks live throughout the city representing both local and national artists, covering all kinds of visual styles.
Many decrepit utility boxes sprinkled across Calgary will soon receive splash of colour.
Jeremy Simes wrote in an article for the Metro News that many decrepit utility boxes sprinkled across Calgary will soon receive splash of colour. In the article, it is explained how Bram first had to meet with various community members that chose to have their community’s utility boxes painted, to gain an understanding of their community and figure out what makes it uniquely different from other surrounding communities. After discussions between the parties involved, it’s smooth sailing and it becomes time to create.
Vinyl wraps around the boxes and/or painting directly on them are encouraged by The City of Calgary. For the total of 7 boxes that were awarded, vinyl wrap has been the go-to method of delivery. During 2014, the installation and contractors were predetermined by the city so the artist didn’t have any say over the final result. In 2015 however, the process changed where vinyl installation and printing is managed by the artist but can be delegated to contractors or specialists allowing the artist to have final control over the output.