The City Is Now Accepting Submissions For The 2026 Box Art Program, Now Through May 31, 2026.
The SLO Box Art Program is gearing up for its 2026 season, and we’re looking for local artists to bring fresh color and creativity to our streets. Eight new utility boxes across San Luis Obispo are ready to be transformed, and we’re inviting SLO County artists of all ages to submit proposals. By popular demand, the option to hand‑paint a box is back this year!
The City is accepting design submissions for the 2026 Box Art Request for Proposals (RFP). This year, box designs will need to meet specific guidelines based on their Historic District locations, ensuring that the art reflects and respects the charm of these unique areas. Whether you represent a community group, are a member of an artistic team, or are a solo artist, this is your opportunity to leave your mark on the City of San Luis Obispo. The deadline to submit your application is
To minimize barriers for artists, the City will be waving the business license fee and offering an in-person Box Art Support Workshop on May 12, 2026, at the Library Community Room from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. where artists can get help with:
- Taking high-resolution pictures of their art
- Adding their artwork to the Box Art digital template
- Getting application and general support
Community Box Art Open Studio
To support 2026 Box Art applicants, Art Central will be hosting an open studio day on Friday, May 15, from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 1329 Monterey Street in SLO. This free, self‑guided event gives artists a chance to create, connect, and work on their submissions. Artists are encouraged to bring their own supplies, as Art Central will only have limited sample paints available. Please note that Art Central is not an official partner of the SLO Box Art Program, but is graciously offering their space for anyone wishing to work on their artwork.
For more information, please call Art Central at 805-747-4200.
Other Important Dates
- In-person support workshop: May 12, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2026, at 5:00 pm
- Art Jury Review & Selection: Summer 2026
- Community Development Director Approval: Summer 2026
- Artist Selection Announcement: Summer 2026
- Installation of Artwork: Late Summer 2026
*Dates are subject to change
“We are excited to continue transforming utility boxes into vibrant works of art,” says Amanda Grieshop, City Public Art Coordinator. “We are also thrilled to offer an in-person support workshop again this year to help community artists navigate the online application process and digital template. We cannot wait to see eight brand new works of art appear around the City.”
Selected artists will receive an $800 stipend for their box art designs. Artists may choose to have their artwork digitized for a vinyl wrap or create a hand‑painted mural directly on the utility box. The City will be responsible
Artists who choose to hand‑paint their designs will receive an additional $400 for supplies and $1200 for installation. Hand‑painted murals must be completed using high‑quality exterior acrylic paints during the July 18–31, 2026 installation window.
For 2026, we’re returning to our roots by inviting artists to reflect on the themes of community and culture as a whole. The SLO Public Art Program looks forward to seeing how each artist interprets these themes and brings them to life.
For more details on how to apply, please visit www.slocity.org/PublicArt.
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