The Best Kind of Election: Voting for Art
As part of the City’s Sesquicentennial celebration, we have launched a Utility Box Art Project to transform five ordinary utility boxes in Martinez into vibrant artworks that highlight the spirit of our culture and history. This Project is a community-centered celebration: art is made by our community and chosen by our community. The artwork is intended to tie into the Sesquicentennial theme, Past, Present, Future, Together, highlighting what makes Martinez such a great place to live.
The City invited artists of all ages to submit proposed art in April of this year. With the community submission phase complete, now it is time for the Online Community Voting phase! Every submittal is posted to the City of Martinez website for viewing and voting. Mobilize your friends and family to vote for your favorites. There are submittals from professional artists, amateur artists, and kid artists in the mix! The top 5 winners will be selected in July, and their artwork will be presented to City Council for final approval in August. Selected artists will receive a stipend of $750, and the approved artwork will be installed with vinyl wraps in October to wrap up our Sesquicentennial Year (literally!).
I started my political career on the volunteer Parks, Recreation, Marina, and Arts Commission (why, yes, Leslie Knope is my spirit animal). The very first project where I got to participate as a commissioner was the vote on the utility box art pilot project in 2020. Each box told a unique story and allowed us to highlight local artists. Today when I drive around, each glimpse of a brightly colored utility box brings me a happy memory and a current joy.
On City Council, we adopted a Public Art Policy in 2022 that sets the guidelines and procedures for reviewing, approving, and installing art on city property in Martinez. The Policy provides that Public Art should reflect the City’s social, cultural, and historical values; contribute to quality of life and economic vitality; encourage civic pride; and provide opportunities for education and community engagement. Since the passage of this policy, we have approved 3 murals and 1 sculpture. I hope this policy will encourage organizations to submit art projects for consideration and will continue to expand our renowned art culture in Martinez.
Let’s add color and character to our city landscape and celebrate the sesquicentennial with a permanent nod to community and creativity. Click Here for more information on the Utility Box Art Program and to vote for your top 5!
