Prescott Valley Town Council during its Thursday Study Session heard a presentation from Community Services regarding the possibility of Utility Box Murals in the community.
Utility box murals are becoming popular in such cities as Casa Grande and Tempe, AZ, El Paso, TX, Fayetteville, AK, numerous cities in California, and countries such as England and Germany. This style of mural is an inexpensive and distinctive way to beautify a city’s roadways or business districts and engage local artists, citizens, and visitors in celebrating public art that represents the unique beauty and culture of the community.
The Town can manage the murals in a variety of ways, including possibly collaborating with Arizona Public Service. Utility boxes and possible sites for murals include the Civic Center campus, several on Lakeshore Drive and in the Entertainment District, and along Glassford Hill Road. Cost is estimated at $500 per mural, and $500 per artist or art group with the winning designs, with a total for the first five murals of $3,000. Funding options include supply donations, business sponsorships, or Arts & Culture donations.
This low-cost program has the potential to encourage diverse community engagement, beautify and highlight local culture, ease of future expansion, and a cover-up or deterrent for graffiti.
Next steps from March through September include confirmation of partnerships, fundraising, call to artists and selection of designs, and finally, installation of murals in October, which is National Arts and Humanities Month.
