Akron Public Art Commission Seeks Designs for Traffic Control Boxes
- Editor Ellis
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Akron Public Art Commission is celebrating the vibrant transformation of the Akron community with the completion of the first round of art installations on city owned traffic control boxes throughout city neighborhoods. Today, the Akron Public Art Commission is issuing a call for local artists to participate in round 2. The project provides a unique opportunity to enhance Akron’s streetscapes while celebrating the city’s diverse talents and voices. This project aims to transform traffic control boxes at major intersections into vibrant pieces of public art, creating a captivating environment for both visitors and residents. Click here to submit a design.
***Artists** This is your chance to showcase your creativity and express the unique character, history and spirit of Akron. We encourage you to create artworks that reflect the richness and diversity of our communities, contributing to the vitality of our public spaces.
Together, let’s celebrate the artistic talent of Akron and promote economic vibrancy throughout our city.
Contact Information:
For inquiries or assistance, please contact Summer Hall, Akron Public Art Liaison at publicart@akronohio.gov or +1 (330) 375-2376.
Submission Guidelines:
Submissions must adhere to the following guidelines:
Format: Digital designs in vector format (AI, EPS) or high-resolution raster format (JPEG or PNG).
Medium: Designs may incorporate any visual art medium suitable for large-scale printing, including but not limited to painting, drawing, digital art, and photography.
Technical Specifications for Image Resolution:
For raster images (JPEG or PNG), the resolution should be a minimum of 300 dpi at full scale.
Vector designs (AI, EPS) should be created at actual size with all text converted to outlines or curves.
Designs should be scalable without considerable loss of quality to accommodate printing at larger sizes. For photography, extra considerations may apply to ensure the quality of the print.
Selection Criteria:
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Artistic Merit: Originality, creativity, and aesthetic quality of the design.
Relevance to Theme: Alignment with the theme of "Voices of Akron" and its connection to the city.
Feasibility for Large-Scale Printing: Designs must be suitable for high-resolution printing on vinyl wraps and withstand outdoor exposure.
Geographic Representation: Consideration of diverse neighborhoods and communities within Akron.
Submission Process:
Upload to include the following materials in your submission:
Contact Information
Title of Piece
Description of Art Piece (maximum 250 words) providing context for the submitted designs and their connection to Akron.
Portfolio pieces or previously created work proposed for a wrap.
Artist biography or CV highlighting relevant experience and ties to Akron.
Preferences for neighborhoods in which you would like to have your work displayed.
Incentives and Benefits:
Selected Participants will have their designs printed and installed as vinyl wraps on traffic light control boxes at major intersections around the city of Akron along with their name on each box.
Participating Participants will receive a single stipend of $250 per selected piece to support their participation in the project.
Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work to a broad audience and contribute to the visual enhancement of Akron's infrastructure within public spaces.
Artists from all backgrounds, all levels of experience and all ages.
Timeline:
Call for Participants Opens: October 8, 2025
Submission Deadline: November 9, 2025
Selection Process: November 10- November 17, 2025
Notified By: Week of November 24, 2025
Installation of Wraps: To Be Determined
2025 Akron Public Art Commissioners
Andy Hillier -Chair
Megan Delong – Vice Chair
Larissa Brown – Secretary
Kiarra Warren - Treasurer
Jessica Travis
Erik Reynolds
Roberta Rogers
Jon Fiume
Kevin Smith
Sharon Connor – Ex-Officio Member- Akron City Council
Summer Hall – APAC Liaison – City of Akron
Sean Vollman – Assistant Director of Economic Development
