Halifax, Nova Scotia Cultural Affairs offered the Traffic Box Program yearly from 2008 through 2010, with the support of Transportation and Public Works. A diversity of local artists were selected each year through a jury process to paint murals on the newly created or replaced traffic boxes found at intersections. The boxes are located in highly visible locations both to pedestrians and road traffic. The program has expanded to other types of utility boxes.
Goals:
- provide opportunities for artists to be creative, connect with their community and heighten community identity through beautification
- reduce graffiti vandalism
- provide employment opportunities for emerging and established local artists
- provide opportunity to paint outside and use an alternative form of "canvas"
- to spark interest and dialogue around new diverse forms of mural painting
- to strengthen artist, resident, and municipal relations
- to heighten community cohesiveness and civic pride
- to heighten sense of place
Yes, yes, yes! I posted one today too, Andy! :-)
ReplyDeletePS. Re your idea on my post: I gave some thought to starting the mural meme, but two considerations prevent me: (1) I'm not sure I have enough murals to participate weekly, and (2) my travels too frequently interrupt my access to internet for me to be a reliable host for a meme. But I will certainly participate in the blog-hop when I can! :-) Keep posting 'em!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun idea. I have seen it on Aussie posts and wished we participated more in the GTA.
ReplyDeleteCool one, Andy. Many of our utility boxes are decorated, but most with plastic type stencils. Four of us have posted murals today! We might be starting something.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and shot!!!
ReplyDeleteThe artist did a wonderful job. It's very Thomas Kincaid looking.
ReplyDelete