Downtown Norfolk is the vibrant and welcoming heart of the city - where people, culture, and commerce intersect. The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) works at the center of that energy, shaping dynamic public spaces and enhancing the Downtown experience through placemaking, public art, and community-driven programming.
DNC strengthens Downtown Norfolk by creating clean, safe, and inviting environments while supporting authentic urban experiences that reflect the city’s character. Through collaboration with artists, businesses, residents, and city partners, DNC activates streets, sidewalks, and shared spaces to spark connection, creativity, and civic pride.
DNC also manages the NEON District (New Energy of Norfolk), Norfolk’s official arts district. NEON is a creative neighborhood that connects major cultural institutions with a grassroots community of artists, makers, and performers. Anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera House, the district includes artist studios, independent local businesses, and more than 100 works of permanent public art. The NEON District plays a central role in Norfolk’s arts and cultural landscape. Learn more at www.neonnfk.com or follow @neonnfk on social media.
Through public art, events, and intentional design of the public realm, DNC is committed to building inclusive, joyful, and culturally rich spaces that celebrate Norfolk’s past while imagining its future.
Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) invites artists to submit proposals for the Utility Box Public Art Program – Phase I. This initiative will transform standard metal utility boxes into vibrant, durable works of public art that enhance the downtown streetscape, reduce graffiti, and celebrate local creativity. Phase I focuses on high-visibility locations within the Downtown Improvement District.
All applications are subject to review by additional City of Norfolk Departments.
LOCATION
Selected artists will design artwork for one of the following utility box locations:
- L005 – Boush St & W Main St
- L019 – Boush St & City Hall Ave
- L075 – Granby St & City Hall Ave (2 boxes)
- L085 – Granby St & Plume St
- L352 – MacArthur Square Station
Artwork will be reproduced as vinyl wraps. Final dimensions and box specifications will be provided to selected artists. Designs must accommodate vents, doors, locks, numbers, and other functional components.
SCOPE OF WORK
Selected artists will create artwork for vinyl wraps that transform everyday utility boxes into moments of surprise, delight, and creativity throughout Downtown. These pieces should spark joy, curiosity, and connection for people walking, biking, and spending time in the area.
Artwork should be bold, engaging, and welcoming - adding color, personality, and character to the streetscape while being appropriate for a diverse audience. Designs must thoughtfully respond to their surroundings and enhance the overall downtown experience.
Artwork cannot include:
- Religious art, sexual content, negative imagery, or political partisanship.
- Advertisement or copyright-protected images.
Artwork should either be designed digitally or be a photo, drawing, or painting copied at a high resolution. The printer can use the design files to create vinyl wraps.
Selected artists will be provided with the dimensions of utility box and resolution of digital files.
REQUIREMENTS
This open call marks the launch of the Utility Box Art Program and celebrates local creativity in Downtown. We are seeking Hampton Roads-based artists whose work reflects their lived experience and perspective as residents, helping to set the tone for a more vibrant, joyful, and people-centered public realm.
BUDGET
$500 stipend provided per listed locations:
- L005 – Boush St & W Main St
- L019 – Boush St & City Hall Ave
- L085 – Granby St & Plume St
- L352 – MacArthur Square Station
$750 stipend provided for 2 compatible pieces at this location:
- L075 – Granby St & City Hall Ave (2 boxes)
TIMELINE
- Saturday, January 31st at 11:59pm – applications close
- Friday, February 13th by 5:00pm – artists will be selected by a committee and notified
- Monday, February 23rd by 5:00pm - artists will be required to submit requested paperwork
- Monday, March 9th by 5:00pm – artists will be required to submit their final artwork design
Downtown Norfolk Council will pay for the printing and installation of the vinyl wraps.
APPLY
There is no fee to apply. Artists must provide the following in the application:
- Artist Information
- Concept Proposal (500 words max)
- Preliminary Design (please use the provided measurements as a template for your design)
Please note that if you submit an application as a team, there will be one stipend and a lead artist must be identified. If selected for a project, you will be required to provide the Downtown Norfolk Council a W9 tax identification form and an artist grant application.
Utility Box Measurements
Subject to change based on assigned location
- Front & Back: 20.25 in W x 43.5in H
- 2 Sides: 24in W x 42.5in H
For any questions, please contact Tyler Collins (tcollins@downtownnorfolk.org).