EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence Department of Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with the East Providence Arts Council, is calling on artists to submit design proposals to participate in its "Beautility Box" Mural Program.

‘Beautility Box" program is an effort to paint public art murals on municipal utility boxes. A total of six utility boxes will be painted for the 2024 program, located in Riverside, Rumford and the center of the city.

Inspired by similar successful programs in Pawtucket, Cranston and Providence, the goal of the program is to enhance East Providence neighborhoods, enhance the streetscape, and showcase the talent of local artists.

The city has worked in partnership with the East Providence Arts Council on a number of public art projects in recent years, including the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative (painted crosswalks) at Hennessey Elementary School, the Lantern Art Trail Displays, The Feathers Three sculpture and the Pokanoket Mural at Watchemoket Square. 

“We are thrilled to open up participation to members of our community in our continuing efforts to beautify East Providence and make it one of the best places to live, learn, work and play,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Public art is essential to enriching our city and community, while also supporting our creatives’ talents and artwork in our community.”

Local artists based in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are eligible to apply, while artists who live in or have a permanent office or studio space in East Providence will be given special consideration. To apply, artists must be 18 years or older, and all artists may submit up to three designs for consideration.

Selected artists will receive a $900 stipend for the labor and the cost of materials required to complete their artwork. The first $300 installation will be paid upon award of the project and entering a contract with the city. The remaining installation of $600 will be paid upon completion of the mural.

For additional information including design guidelines, the selection panel, and where to apply you can find that all on the City of East Providence website. https://eastprovidenceri.gov/rfp.