Westfield on Weekends has issued a Call to Artists for a unique place-making opportunity in Downtown. WOW is searching for artists to submit their ideas and designs to beautify three utility boxes located in the Gaslight District, in order to increase walkability and infuse the streetscape with accessible art during Westfield’s 350th Birthday celebration on May 18-19. The two existing boxes, with the theme of “Celebrate Westfield” are located in front of Fast Feet and the Olver PVTA station Downtown.

Programs to create non-conventional murals are not new; cities such as Boston, Northampton, and Easthampton have all carried out similar beautification programs in their cities, to great success. WOW is funding this program through a Westfield Cultural Council grant. The three boxes to be painted in 2019 are located in front of Blue Umbrella Books, Baystate Dental, and Stop and Shop. They will be painted live during the 350th Celebration immediately following the Run Westfield 5K.

The theme all artists are asked to adhere to is “Westfield’s 350th”. Artists are invited to submit their ideas to paint the boxes to the selection committee. The artists which are chosen will be paid for their time and reimbursed for materials. Applications are due April 22, and are available online, or by contacting Ms. Drewniany.

Westfield on Weekends is a nonprofit transforming Westfield at the intersection of community and creativity. We work to increase the scope of arts, cultural, and economic life along the Elm Street corridor to make the city a better place for residents, businesses, and visitors

The request for proposal and more details on this program can be found at WestfieldOnWeekends.Com/Utility-Box-Painting-Project.html. Any questions can be forwarded to Morgan Drewniany at [email protected] or 413-454-1195.