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Committee plans soft launch of utility-box art program; initial costs and vendor estimates discussed
Summary
The committee approved a soft launch plan for utility-box artwork and reviewed vendor cost estimates ranging from about $1,700 to $3,346 per installation. The committee hopes initial installations will be paid via grants and partnerships and used as proof of concept for larger funding requests.
The San Clemente City Arts & Culture Committee on July 28 discussed a soft launch of a utility-box art program and reviewed vendor estimates and grant opportunities to cover initial installations.
Committee member Kathy (utility-box subcommittee lead) reported vendor estimates gathered during the subcommittee’s outreach. She said Mesa Art (used by Dana Point) charges about $1,700 for smaller boxes, with a $250 artist stipend; larger boxes appear closer to $2,200. Another vendor, Starfish Graphics, provided higher estimates: about $3,346 for larger boxes and $1,559 for smaller boxes. “They do everything. They print the vinyl. They install it. They clean the box first,” Kathy said, describing the vendor services and the program’s scope.
Staff and committee members proposed a phased approach: prioritize a large box at the sports-park entrance (near Steve Park) and a golf-course box in the parking-lot area as proof of concept, then seek private and nonprofit funding for additional boxes in high-visibility locations such as El Rey, Olivas and Del Mar. Samantha said the city will submit a grant application to the San Clemente Women’s Club on behalf of the city; the application deadline is August 15.
Committee members stressed selection standards and visibility. The committee expects a competitive call for art and a selection process for artists; vinyl reproduction would allow photographers and artists working in nontraditional public-media formats to participate. The committee also discussed weatherproofing and durability of materials.
No city funding was allocated at the July 28 meeting. The committee recommended staff pursue the grant, finalize an application and proceed with vendor procurement and artist calls if grant funding is secured.
