SPONSORSHIP DETAILS: Community members, businesses, and organizations can sponsor a utility box mural for $2,000 per box. Sponsorship funds support artist compensation, project coordination, permitting, insurance, and overall program administration. Sponsors may choose from available utility box locations and can either recommend an artist or request that SRBID match them with a local artist. All designs are subject to program guidelines and City approval. Sponsoring a utility box is a great way to support local artists while helping beautify Downtown San Rafael with meaningful public art.
Program Overview: The Downtown San Rafael Utility Box Art Program is a new permanent public art initiative coordinated by the San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) and the City of San Rafael. This program brings local artists and community sponsors together to transform utility boxes into vibrant works of public art throughout Downtown San Rafael. This program expands upon utility box art projects originally created by the San Rafael Chamber Leadership Institute in 2019 and 2024 and establishes a long-term, sustainable model for adding new public art to Downtown each year. Our goal is to beautify Downtown streets, support local artists with paid opportunities, reduce graffiti through creative placemaking, and create fun walking destinations for the community.
Application Requirements: Through the sponsorship application, sponsors may select from available utility box locations, propose a style they prefer, and recommend an artist (subject to program guidelines and BID approval).
Artist applications are separte and can be found on the website. Artist applications will include a completed form, brief concept description, a simple visual sketch, and up to three examples of prior work.
Box Locations: For the 2026 launch year, approximately five utility boxes in Downtown San Rafael will be selected for inclusion in the program. Locations will be confirmed and published prior to installation. Boxes must be within the BID Boundary. View map here.
Project Timeline 2026 (subject to change)
• March 1: Announcement and distribution of RFP
• March 24: Deadline for receipt of proposals
• March 31: All submissions reviewed and finalists selected
• April 1: Final Artists asked to submit final proposals for approval
• April 15: Art design finalized and sent to Public Art Review Board for approval
• May 1: Sent to City Council for Approval
• May 15: Work begins
• June 15: Artists complete work
2026 Theme: San Rafael: The Heart of Marin: Artists are welcome to interpret what it means for San Rafael to be the cultural, civic, and creative heart of Marin County through bold, welcoming public art! Artists are invited to create designs that celebrate the character, creativity, and diversity of Downtown San Rafael. Artwork should be engaging, welcoming to all ages, and visually dynamic from multiple angles. Suggested inspiration includes Downtown life, arts and culture, local identity, Marin icons, nature, hisotory, and vibrancy. Designs should feel communitycentered and timeless.