Fairfield Arts Commission Announces New Utility Cabinet Public Art Opportunity
The Fairfield Arts Commission announced today a new public art initiative taking over utility cabinets throughout Town – and you can be a part of it!
Utility cabinets, located at signalized intersections, house the components that power traffic lights at these intersections. Their prominent locations and blank metal surfaces provide an ideal canvas for public art, providing opportunities for local artists and creating a more vibrant and visually appealing streetscape.
The first utility cabinet, designed, wrapped, and installed locally by David Condon of *andHOW! Graphics, is located right on Sherman Green facing Post Road. First Selectman Christine Vitale, Director of Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, Fairfield Arts Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald, and Chief of Community Services Anthony Calabrese joined David and his family to celebrate the installation of the vinyl wrap and launch of the new public art initiative on Monday, August 25th.
The Fairfield Arts Commission is looking to identify up to four (4) additional locations in Fairfield as part of this beautification program, and invites organizations, businesses and the public to nominate and sponsor utility cabinets in need of a makeover. Once locations have been identified, local artists will be invited to submit artwork to be professionally printed and installed as a vinyl wrap. The Fairfield Arts Commission will be responsible for securing the necessary permits as well as the fabrication and installation of the vinyl wraps. All artwork will need to comply with guidelines for aesthetic objects and treatments within the CTDOT rights of way.
“This is a really unique opportunity to help beautify our community and support local artists,” said Fairfield Arts Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald. He continued, “We encourage businesses or groups to help identify and sponsor utility cabinets in need of a makeover.” All sponsors will have the opportunity to be involved in the artist selection and artwork design process. To nominate a utility cabinet, please fill out the form here.
The utility cabinets, artists and sponsors will be featured on the Town of Fairfield website and in other promotional materials, providing a unique and lasting opportunity for community-wide exposure and brand recognition. To learn more about how you can be a part of this project, check out our sponsorship opportunities.
About the Fairfield Arts Commission
The Fairfield Arts Commission is an official body of the Town of Fairfield, comprised of nine volunteers appointed by the First Selectman. The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission is to stimulate, foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield. Following their appointment in 2023, the members have been working toward achieving statewide recognition of a cultural district in Fairfield.
