Utility Box Wrapping

Utility Box Wrapping Program

Utility boxes around the globe are being painted or wrapped in local artists' artwork. Elgin will now be among the cities to have one of these programs. Working with the city of Elgin’s maintenance department and utility companies, utility works boxes will be heat wrapped with local artists’ artwork. Not only does this program deter graffiti, it also encourages community building and placemaking while promoting original artwork by local artists.

Artists can apply here. As long as the artwork can be printed, it can be used for box wrapping. View the templates and dimension drawings here. Vector files with a 300 dpi are recommended for the best printing quality. To see which boxes are open for wrapping, utilize the map on this page. The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission will wrap two boxes this year: one in April and another in August.

Sponsor a box

Sponsors can choose a box and see which applications exist for that box, or see all of the applications and select their box based on the available artwork. Sponsorship begins at $2,500 and increases from there, depending on the size of the box. Artwork has an expected lifespan of 7-10 years. Applications will be ready for selection in May. Contact Cultural Arts Manager, Amanda Harris to see which boxes are available.