StreetSpark - Utility Box Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

RFQ Deadline: December 7, 2025

StreetSpark seeks artists to design and paint a utility box in Hamilton, Ohio during the summer of 2026. Artists should have experience in mural design and mural execution. Applications include a two-phase design process beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) for selected semifinalists at a later date. The selected designer will paint their utility box and be involved with supply ordering and project planning. The StreetSpark program manages surface preparation, supply purchases and scheduling.

About the program: StreetSpark, a public art program in partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, the City of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Community Foundation was founded to further the creative identity in Hamilton, Ohio through exciting murals and public art projects. The program creates engagement by producing high quality art, providing opportunities for local artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. Since the summer of 2016, StreetSpark artists have created 21 large-scale murals and painted 17 utility boxes in a variety of styles. Each year the StreetSpark selection committee of local arts professionals, partners and community members evaluates applications and helps to award the winning designs.

• Artists and designers age 18 and up of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Applying artists should have experience in mural design and mural creation.
• All travel and lodging expenses must be covered by the artist.

REQUIRED ITEMS

• ARTWORK EXAMPLES - Five high-quality JPEG or PNG images (mural and painting examples preferred, no 3-D or sculpture work)
• CURRENT RESUME/CV
• ARTIST LETTER OF INTENT - 150-200 word description of your design approach including style and content and how your design adds value to this space

SELECTION CRITERIA

Semi-final artists will be chosen based on the following criteria:

• QUALITY OF ARTWORK - high quality examples that demonstrate mastery in murals and painting
• ART & DESIGN EXPERIENCE - mural experience, relevant training/education
• LETTER OF INTENT - 150-200 word description about design intent for chosen wall

TIMELINE

TRAFFIC/UTILITY BOX 

Location: High Street, near Journal Square between Luke's Custom Cakes (at 226 High Street) and the Alexander Hamilton sculpture

About the Area: This utility box is located along High Street in the heart of downtown Hamilton, positioned at Journal Square near the prominent public sculpture The American Cape. As the historic and geographic center of the city, downtown continues to grow as a lively urban core with an expanding mix of businesses, residents, and cultural activity. The site is surrounded by a range of destinations that bring steady foot traffic throughout the day and into the evening. Its central placement along one of Hamilton’s busiest corridors makes this box a highly visible canvas, well-suited for artwork that complements the district’s creative energy and contributes to the evolving identity of the downtown streetscape.

• Three selected semifinal artists will be paid $250 each to develop design proposals.
• The designs will then be scored and reviewed by the StreetSpark Selection Committee, a group of area artists, partners and community members.
• The committee selects a final artist and awards an additional design stipend of $500.
• The artist selected will also be hired and paid an additional stipend to paint the utility box during the summer of 2026. 
• Additional budget will be managed by the StreetSpark program to order equipment, supplies and prepare the surface.

Please upload no less than 5 examples of your artwork. Please include mural and painting examples; no 3D or sculpture examples. High quality photos only.

Please upload a 150-200 word letter of intent (Word or PDF). Describe your design approach including style and content. How will your design concept add value to the space?

Please be sure to select SUBMIT or SAVE before exiting your application.

If you have any questions, please email Jenn Acus-Smith at streetsparkart@gmail.com.