Dear local artists: the King County Department of Local Services wants artwork to showcase on public utility boxes in two of its urban areas, and it has extended the deadline for you to apply to June 30.

The department wants local artists to submit artwork that they think should be showcased on more than 25 public utility boxes in the East Federal Way and Skyway/West Hill areas.

Community members chose these two areas to receive funding for this project through King County’s participatory budgeting program. Through this program, community members submit ideas for improvements, projects, programs, or services that would make a positive difference in their neighborhoods and then vote to choose which of these will be funded. Since the participatory budgeting program’s launch in 2021, more than $23 million has been committed to community priorities. 

Selected artists will be paid a total of $550 for 1-3 designs once the artwork is print ready for the utility box wraps and the artist contract is signed. 

Artists can submit their applications by visiting the project page at Call for Artists: Transform Public Spaces Through Art in the Utility Box Art Program – Airtable. The Department of Local Services will accept submissions up to 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. 

More about the project 

This purpose of this program is to transform plain traffic control boxes into unique, community-inspired art. This creates a more vibrant, attractive streetscape, contributing to the unique character of unincorporated area, and creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all in King County. 

Goals of the project include: 

  • Celebrating the unique culture, identity, and values of our communities  
  • Promoting equity by uplifting diverse local artists  
  • Enriching public spaces through bold, meaningful art  
  • Reflecting community priorities identified through participatory budgeting  

 The artist has the discretion to design the theme of their artwork as they see fit; however, residents have shared the themes they would like to see:    

  • Community – Unity, belonging, and connection  
  • Uplifting diverse cultures  
  • Topography of the land – natural and artificial physical features in our community   
  • Nature – Plants and animals native to the region   
  • History of Skyway/West Hill or East Federal Way (community heroes, community members, historical sites)  

“As has been the case since participatory budgeting began four years ago, we are empowering our neighbors to help shape their community,” Program Manager Gloria Briggs said. “I know for a fact that there’s countless creative individuals with talent in our community, and I can’t wait to see your ideas!”

For more information, view the poster below and scan the QR code:

MEDIA CONTACT

Brent Champaco, Department of Local Services, brent.champaco@kingcounty.gov, 206‑477‑9094