Carson City, NV – The Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department invites local mural artists to submit public art proposals to paint traffic signal boxes located throughout Carson City. This “Out of the Box” arts initiative aims to enhance the streetscape, create paid opportunities for local artists, and showcase Carson City’s unique culture and talent. Eligible artists may submit one original design proposal for this call with the theme of Carson City.

Eligible Artists

• Must live in northern Nevada — Carson City artists are encouraged to submit.
• Artist (or parent/guardian if under 18) must supply a W9 and invoice, if selected, and must be able to receive payment by check.
• No resume or portfolio required — young and/or new artists are encouraged to submit.

Eligible designs

• Submit only one original design proposal for this call.
• Designs should be based on the theme of Carson City.
• No logos or copyrighted images without written permission.
• Avoid large areas of dark color to maintain temperatures inside the box; top of box must not be a dark color.
• Avoid words or shapes that look like road signs (arrows, red octagons, etc.).
• Hashtags and artist signatures are allowed, less than 5% of the painted area.
• No political or religious messages or symbols, gratuitous violence, racism, bigotry, or inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful, tortuous, defamatory or libelous content.
• Bottom righthand corner of each side may be covered with sponsor recognition – keep in mind when creating design.

Painting requirements

• Apply supplied primer.
• Use only UV resistant acrylic latex or similar paint designed for outdoor use. All materials must be approved by the City.
• Apply at least 3 coats of supplied topcoat.
• Intersections vary and some include additional utility boxes eligible for artwork. For intersections with multiple boxes, artist should paint all indicated boxes with a continuation of approved design.

Compensation

Selected artists will be paid $1,000 per intersection. This includes artist compensation and any supplies, materials, and installation costs. Checks will be processed and mailed after receipt of W9 and invoice from the artist after completion of the project.  

How to Apply

Submit the “Out of the Box 2026” form at carsoncity.gov/arts by April 1, 2026. Attach one PDF that includes all of the following:

1. Artist’s legal name and preferred name if different (include age if under 18).
2. Contact information – phone number, and email address.
3. Brief artist statement.
4. Mockup or sketch of proposed design.
5. Brief statement about the proposal and why it fits Carson City.

Maintenance

Carson City Public Works is not responsible for any costs related to the art boxes that may be incurred as a result of maintenance activities, box modifications, damage, replacement, vandalism, or general wear and tear, and shall not be responsible for repairing any portion of the artwork placed on any box. Carson City may at any time remove, paint or replace boxes without prior notice to the artist. Technicians may modify boxes at any time. Modification may include without limitation, cutting, covering, or adding additional equipment or enclosures.  If a painted/beautified signal box needs replacement, repair, or repainting, a courtesy notification to the artist and/or the Arts and Culture Supervisor is requested but not required. The artist may choose to touch up the artwork at their own expense. The City maintains full control and use of the boxes regardless of any art on them. Although a courtesy call is requested, Carson City Public Works reserves the right to replace, remove, repair, or repaint any traffic signal/utility box(es) without prior notice to the artist.

Selection Process

City staff will review all submissions for eligibility. An ad-hoc panel will review all eligible designs and may be asked to recommend finalists or to narrow down options to a reasonable number for review and recommendation by a board/commission. The City Manager may approve or deny any/all recommendations or can defer decisions to the Board of Supervisors. Designs must be approved by the City Manager or BOS.

Interested in Volunteering for a Review Panel?

Please submit the form at carsoncity.gov/arts – Grants and Opportunities – Apply to Be a Public Art Panelist by March 1^st if you are interested in volunteering for this panel. Must be a Carson City resident, able to commit to individually reviewing all submissions, available during the day for panel meeting(s), and be free from any conflict of interest.

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?

Email Anna Freeman (afreeman@carsoncity.gov) if you or your business would like information on supporting this and other arts initiatives in the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department.

Dimensions:

Traffic signal boxes are approximately 77" tall x 44" wide x 26" deep, totaling approximately 83 square feet. Optional template:

Printable Out of the Box 2026_Call to Artists