Community-inspired art designs are gracing traffic signal cabinets in Austin neighborhoods as part of Austin Transportation’s new Artbox Program. In December 2018, the City of Austin contracted with Houston-based UP Art Studio to bring the studio’s successful Mini Murals program to decorate traffic signal cabinets with civic art in four Austin neighborhoods. 

The artboxes are located at the following intersections:

• Rundberg Lane at Little Walnut Creek Library, by Bydee.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Guadalupe Street, by Emily Ding.
• East Stassney Lane and Jacaranda Drive, by Niz.
• Arroyo Seco and West Koenig Lane, by Helena Martin.

Community involvement was integral throughout the creative process.  Each of the four communities voted for a local artist from a registry of pre-qualified artists and gave input to shape the artistic vision of their neighborhood’s artbox.

“Streets are not just spaces we travel through, but places woven into the fabric of communities,” said Christina Willingham, Austin Transportation’s Smart Mobility Division Manager. “A neighborhood can express its special character for others to see, learn and enjoy at the street level, whether by foot, bike, bus or car. By working with the community and local artists, the Artbox Program offers something for everyone.”

“We are excited that Austin Transportation Department initiated the Mini Murals project,” said Elia Quiles of UP Art Studio. Co-founder Noah Quiles added, “Advancing our mission of civic pride through civic art, where we aim to educate, move, and engage communities, is always a welcome opportunity – and we are proud to expand it to Austin.”

People and organizations interested in sponsoring an artbox installation may contact matthew.ramirez@austintexas.gov. Over 200 Austin Transportation Department traffic signal cabinets citywide are available to become artboxes.