Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of a Public Art Program - Signal Box Art.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Shaunna Hunter, Senior Management Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Consider the Cultural Arts Commission’s recommendation for a Public Art Program - Signal Box Art and provide staff direction on implementation of a Signal Box Art Program in the City of Westminster; and
B. Allocate $25,000 to Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for implementation of the Signal Box Art Program.
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BACKGROUND
The Signal Box Art Program was first presented to the Cultural Arts Commission on March 4, 2026 for consideration and input (Attachment 1). On May 19, 2026, staff presented the updated program guidelines, budget, and implementation timeline (Attachment 2). The Cultural Arts Commission recommended approval of the Signal Box Art Program.
Community Services and Recreation, Public Works, and City Administration have worked to develop this program with the assistance of the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Office of Arts Coordination.
In addition to the Signal Box Art Program, staff is looking at additional public art programming, including mural sites and freeway bridge art on the 405 Freeway overcrossings. Potential mural project sites in Westminster include the Community Garden located at 13942 Cherry Street and locations within Little Saigon as part of the Jobs First Grant - Little Saigon Blueprint for Economic Vitality and Quality of Place.
Signal Box Art is an incremental art program that can transform blank traffic control, electrical, or utility boxes into visual art installations. These projects have been used to create a positive impact on the streetscape by enhancing community identity, reducing graffiti, and visual blight, while engaging local artists and residents. Individual installations can provide accessible and memorable public art across neighborhoods.
Similar programs exist across numerous local municipalities including Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Long Beach, and Temecula among other California cities. Installations from other cities vary from natural wraps to uniquely painted boxes featuring local or neighborhood themes. The Cultural Arts Commission recommends hand painted signal boxes with a graffiti and UV Protective application over the vinyl wrap, which would promote more arts engagement across the City and may reduce the annual cost of the program.
The Cultural Arts Commission reviewed and recommended the following mission and vision statements as a framework for this Signal Box Art Program.
Mission: The Signal Box Art Program is designed to engage the community in the creation of vibrant and accessible public art which reflects the culture and community of Westminster residents, visitors, and businesses.
Vision: The Signal Box Art Program is an essential part of inspiring artists in the thriving art community of Westminster and Orange County.
Westminster Signal Box Art Program recommendations:
• The City has 62 signal boxes located throughout Westminster (Attachment 3). City staff, in partnership with OCDE and the Cultural Arts Commission propose commissioning up to 10 Signal Box Art installations annually with a goal to incrementally welcome new artists, inspiring a culture of art incubation in the community. The Cultural Arts Commission recommended designating the Signal Boxes located nearest Westminster schools for youth artists from the adjacent schools.
• Artist submissions may consist of a single artist or a group of artists working together on a single design. The artists must live in, work in, or demonstrate a strong tie to the Westminster Community. All group artists must designate a lead person.
• The selected artists will receive $750 to cover material costs and compensation for the reproduction of their original artwork. Material costs above the $750 stipend will not be covered. The selected artist must complete all administrative waivers and forms to participate in the Signal Box Art Program.
• Cultural Arts Commission recommended a sponsorship program that includes individual signal box sponsors as well as overall program sponsors; however, staff recommend seeking overall sponsors for the program versus a per box sponsorship. In accordance with the City’s adopted sign code, art visible in the public right of way must not contain a commercial message, business name, or it would be subject to standards described in existing code.
• The Public Works Department would be responsible for preparing the signal box prior to the art application and will apply the UV/Anti-graffiti coating after the installation to preserve and protect the art. However, the City would reserve the right to remove art if deemed necessary due to box repair, replacement, or vandalism. The Artist may elect to repaint the box if approved by the City.
Program timeline:
• September 2026 - The program will launch with a “Call for Artists,” with marketing taking place in advance of the announcement this summer.
• October 2026 - Deadline to submit art is 6 weeks after “Call for Artists” announcement.
• October 15-29, 2026 - Artist selection will be made by a selection committee.
• October 31, 2026 - Artist selection notification.
• November 2026 - Public art exhibit of selected Signal Box Art based on facility availability.
• January 2027 - Staff will coordinate installation of Signal Box Art beginning in January based on artist availability, weather, supplies, and painting volunteers. UV/Anti-graffiti coating will be applied after the artwork is completed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Authorize an adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget in Community Promotion special department expense account number 75000-44020 in the amount of $25,000.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Signal Box Art programs have been successfully adopted by multiple California cities, yielding vibrant public art, community engagement, and graffiti deterrence while supporting local artists. The Cultural Arts Commission reviewed and discussed the program guidelines and recommended approval of the Signal Box Art Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
ATTACHMENTS
1. March 4, 2026 - Cultural Arts Commission Report and Presentation
2. May 19, 2026 - Cultural Arts Commission Report and Presentation
3. City of Westminster Signal Box Map by Type
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager