The Frederick Arts Council, in collaboration with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the City of Frederick, is calling on local artists to submit their qualifications for the upcoming “Creative Sparks” utility box project. The initiative aims to transform utility boxes throughout the city into vibrant public art pieces that celebrate Frederick’s identity, history, and dynamic arts scene. This project is partially funded by a grant from the City of Frederick along with a Community Partnership Grant from the Frederick County Government.
The “Creative Sparks” project invites artists to design eye-catching visuals that will be reproduced as vinyl wraps and installed on utility boxes across the city. Artists are encouraged to develop designs that reflect Frederick’s unique character, with an emphasis on engaging both residents and visitors. To facilitate this artistic endeavor, selected artists will not incur costs for vinyl reproduction, allowing them to focus solely on their creative expressions.
There are two opportunities available for participating artists: the “Lead Artist and Mentor Opportunity” and the “Utility Box Artist” option. The lead artist will receive $1,200 for their design and will also mentor a mentee throughout the project, while artists applying as “Utility Box Artists” will be compensated $800 for their work without a mentee. Both roles provide a platform for artistic exchange and professional development, with artists expected to consider how their designs can incorporate elements of local culture and community landmarks.
Artists from various backgrounds and mediums, including graphic design, illustration, and digital art, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Frederick County. Submissions should include a description of the proposed artwork, an artist statement, a biography, three images of relevant work, and contact information. The deadline for submissions is November 9, 2026, and interested artists can apply through Slideroom, with detailed project guidelines available online.
Read the original article at City of Frederick