By Tania Said—
MUNCIE, IN —The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in partnership with the City of Muncie, is inviting Delaware County artists to apply for “Box!Box!”, a public art project that transforms traffic signal control boxes into colorful, engaging works of art throughout Muncie.
The deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 season is Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Five traffic control boxes will be selected for completion during the Fall 2026 season.
“Box!Box!” is part of MuncieArts’ ongoing effort to create attractive, vibrant public spaces that reflect the culture of the community while providing opportunities for local artists to bring their work into the public realm. The project encourages bold, eye-catching and original designs that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.
“Public art is one of the ways we can make Muncie’s neighborhoods more vibrant and welcoming,” said Mayor Dan Ridenour. “Box!Box! gives local artists an opportunity to share their creativity in places where people live, work and travel every day. We’re pleased to partner with MuncieArts on a project that supports our local artists while making our community more beautiful and engaging.”
“Traffic control boxes are something we encounter every day, but we rarely think about them as opportunities for art,” said Tania Said, Executive Director of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council. “We are excited to work with the City of Muncie and area artists to elevate our city.”
Fall 2026 Call for Artists
Participation is open to artists who reside in Delaware County, Indiana, and are at least 18 years of age. Student groups may apply with an eligible adult sponsor.
Proposed artwork must:
- Be an original design created by the submitting artist or artist collaborative.
- Be appropriate for viewing by all ages.
- Be two-dimensional; three-dimensional concepts will not be considered.
- Not contain offensive or commercial advertising content or defame or invade the rights of any person.
- Accommodate a small placard near the bottom of the traffic control box for interpretive signage.
Designs connected to America’s 250th anniversary will receive special consideration for the 2026 season.
Artists may propose a location that is meaningful to them, including a location near where they live, work or play. Applicants are asked to identify their top three location preferences on the application.
Priority Locations
- Kilgore & Perdieu
- Kilgore & Tillotson
- Kilgore & Nichols
- Kilgore & Jackson
- Jackson & Liberty
- Jackson & Franklin
- Jackson & High
- Jackson & Walnut
- Jackson & Mulberry
- Jackson & Jefferson
- Jackson & Madison
- Main & Madison
- Main & Jefferson
- Main & Mulberry
- Main & Walnut
- Main & High
- Main & Franklin
- Main & Liberty
- Main & Ohio
Artists are encouraged to visit potential locations before applying to assess site-specific conditions.
Chloe Newman is pictured beside her BoxBox! project titled “The Boss Ross Experience.” Photo courtesty of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council.
What Artists Need to Submit
A complete application must include:
- A $10 application fee
- A signed and completed application form
- A rendering of the proposed design using the appropriate traffic control box template
- A project statement of up to 500 words explaining the artist’s interest in painting a traffic control box and how the proposed artwork will enhance its surroundings
- An artist statement or biography describing previous experience
- At least three work samples related to the proposed “Box!Box!” design
Applications will be evaluated based on originality, composition, artistic merit, artist experience, and the ability of the artwork to attract attention from a distance. The selection committee includes MuncieArts board members as well as neighborhood representatives and area stakeholders, when appropriate.
Artist Compensation
Selected artists will receive both an artist payment and a supply stipend:
- $300 participation stipend for small boxes
- $400 participation stipend for large boxes
- $75 supply stipend for small boxes
- $100 supply stipend for large boxes
Supply stipends are provided as gift certificates for approved paint and necessary supplies at Art Mart located at 409 N Martin St #2, Muncie, IN 47303.
MuncieArts will provide the project’s vinyl wayfinding ribbon and the final anti-graffiti protective coating. Artists are responsible for following all required safety procedures while working on-site.
The Fall 2026 season is scheduled for completion by November 15, 2026.
Building Muncie’s Public Art Collection
“Box!Box!” is intended to be an ongoing public art initiative, with the ultimate goal of bringing artist-designed traffic control boxes to neighborhoods throughout the city. Artwork typically remains on display for three to five years, at MuncieArts’ discretion.
Artists also have the option of proposing a vinyl wrap rather than a painted treatment. Artists interested in this option should contact MuncieArts Executive Director Tania Said for information about costing and installation.
“Ultimately, we hope to see Box!Box! continue to grow until traffic control boxes throughout Muncie are adorned with amazing art by local artists,” Said added.
Apply by September 30
Artists interested in participating in the Fall 2026 season should submit their applications by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Apply online: MuncieArts “Box!Box!” Application
More information: munciearts.org/boxbox
Applications for the 2027 “Box!Box!” season will be accepted on a rolling basis through April 30, 2027.
Crowdfunded donations for Box!Box! will continue to be accepted online at https://www.patronicity.com/MuncieBoxBox through Thursday, September 24, 2026. All funds received through Patronicity by the deadline will be matched by the Indiana Housing Community Development Authority through the CreatINg Places program. Box!Box! donations thereafter will be accepted at munciearts.org/donate or by mail to P.O. Box 488, Muncie, IN 47305.
About Muncie Arts and Culture Council
The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is the official arts partner of the City of Muncie and serves as a backbone arts service organization for the community. MuncieArts champions arts experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies in Muncie, Indiana. Through partnerships, programming, advocacy and support for artists, MuncieArts works to strengthen Muncie’s economy, create a more livable community, and advance health and wellness through the arts.
About MuncieArts
Celebrating 15 years of championing arts experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies to impact economic growth, sustainable communities, and health and wellness. As the City of Muncie’s designated arts partner since 2015, MuncieArts works to strengthen the city through creativity, collaboration,and cultural leadership. For more information about the Muncie Arts and Culture Council and its programs, visit www.munciearts.org or follow @MuncieArts on social media.
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