Goodyear seeks public art applications

The city of Goodyear is inviting Arizona-based artists to participate in a public project aimed at decorating traffic signal control cabinets throughout the city.

This initiative gives local artists the opportunity to transform functional infrastructure into colorful visual displays visible to both drivers and pedestrians. Selected artwork will either be hand-painted directly on the cabinets or applied as vinyl wraps.

The Goodyear Arts and Culture Division manages the city’s public art program, which aims to engage the community and enhance the city’s cultural landscape.

Arts and Culture Coordinator Layne Ruiz said, “One of my favorite projects is the traffic cabinet public art project. It’s so fun to work with our West Valley artists on this project. It creates a sense of community, it beautifies our city.

Each cabinet measures approximately 78 inches tall, 44 inches wide, and 28 inches deep, with artwork covering three sides and the top. The cabinets are located at street corners.

Applications are being accepted until Monday, Oct. 13

Artists are encouraged to explore themes reflecting Goodyear’s values, history, and environment. Suggested themes include community, education, innovation, family, history, transportation, environment and growth.

Artists are also encouraged to engage with local businesses and residents to ensure the designs reflect the character of the surrounding area. The project aims to enhance the city’s streetscape while fostering a connection between the artwork and the community.

The opportunity is open to individual artists, artist teams, and educational institutions based in Arizona. Compensation varies depending on the method of application. Artists will receive $2,000 for design, materials, and time for hand-painted cabinets and $1,200 for vinyl-wrapped cabinets.

The traffic cabinet program began in 2018 as part of Goodyear’s annual Public Art Plan. Since its launch, more than 50 cabinets have been transformed by local artists. The initiative is managed by the city’s Arts and Culture Division and overseen by the Goodyear Arts and Culture Commission.

A selection panel will review applications based on the quality of past work, the artist’s ability to respond to the site, and their plans for community engagement. Finalists will be invited to present their designs to the Goodyear Arts & Culture Commission for approval.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information or to submit an application.