Utility Boxes

Utility Boxes tile showing a decorated public art utility box

The Torrance Public Art Utility Box Program transforms everyday infrastructure into vibrant works of public art in Torrance. Through this program, local and regional artists design original artwork that wraps utility boxes throughout the city, turning streetscapes into outdoor galleries.

These utility box murals enhance neighborhoods, deter graffiti, and celebrate community identity, local culture, and creative placemaking. Located along sidewalks, intersections, commercial corridors, and public spaces, the Utility Box Program brings accessible public art directly into daily life. As part of the City’s broader public art program, the Torrance Utility Box Art initiative supports artists, activates public space, and reflects the city’s commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. This Public Art Pilot Program is open to all residents of Southern California. All entries must be of an original design and artwork must be suitable for viewing by people of all ages.

Explore Utility Box Public Art Locations Near You

Utility Box Public Art Guidelines

  • Proposed utility box designs must wrap all four sides and the top of the box. Artwork will be printed on vinyl and installed by a City-selected vendor. Artists are responsible for creating the artwork design only.
  • Artwork should enhance the street, energize the area, and reflect the surrounding neighborhood. Designs must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Artwork that uses mostly dark colors may not be accepted, as it can cause the boxes to overheat.
  • Some locations may require subject matter that highlights Torrance’s cultural diversity, historic heritage, or key local activities. Artists may submit multiple concepts for the same location or propose a cohesive design theme across multiple boxes or locations.
  • Designs must not block vents, airflow, doors, or access panels. The City must be able to fully access the utility box and its components at all times, and the City may make minor layout adjustments if needed to ensure functionality.
  • Concrete bases, poles, bollards, planters, or other nearby structures are not part of the design area and may not be included in the artwork. Artwork must be original. Submissions using copyrighted or trademarked images will not be accepted.
  • Artwork may not be plagiarized, copied, defamatory, or infringe on the rights of any person, living or deceased. Each design must include a credit box identifying the artist and the financial sponsor (which may be the City, the artist, or another entity).
  • The artwork is considered a long-term public installation and will become the property of the City of Torrance. Artists retain the right to reproduce and/or sell their original artwork.

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

All requirements below must be met or the application will not be considered.

  • A completed application form.

  • A concept drawing showing all four sides and the top of the utility box. Utility boxes vary in size, so drawings are for concept only and do not need to be to scale. Hand-drawn concepts are accepted, but digital designs are strongly encouraged.

  • The name of the utility box sponsor (the artist may be the sponsor), if available, and the requested utility box location (locations are not guaranteed). Utility box installations will only move forward once a sponsor is confirmed. If a sponsor has not selected an artist, the City may help match a sponsor with an artist or submission.

Selection Criteria

When selecting artwork for the Utility Box Public Art Pilot Project, the following will be considered:

  • Artistic excellence, innovation, and originality

  • Alignment with the goals of the project

  • Ability to transform and enhance the surrounding area

  • Relevance to the specific location of the utility box

  • Representation of the City’s cultural diversity, historic heritage, or a key local activity

Artist Selection Process

Designs will be reviewed by the Cultural Arts Commission, which will make project recommendations to the City Council. Artists will be notified by the City if and when their designs are accepted. Artists selected for a Utility Box Public Art Pilot Project must sign a liability release and artwork agreement before installation. Selected artists will receive a $500 stipend, paid upon installation of the artwork. To receive payment, artists must submit a completed W-9 form. Once an artwork is selected, the artist must submit the following within 30 days:

  • Final artwork and design in high-resolution digital format. If submitting files from Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, a high-resolution image file of the same artwork must also be provided.

Utility Box Specifications

UTILITY-BOX-PUBLIC-ART-DESIGN-TEMPLATE-SPECS.pdf(PDF, 255KB)

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