Expression of Interest: Cornerstone Creatives - Powerbox Paint Project
Power Box Paint Project: Cornerstone Creatives
The Creative Streets Festival
The Creative Street Festival will feature a series of placemaking art installations designed to reimagine Armidale’s CBD. Painted electrical boxes will also dot the CBD, turning everyday infrastructure into artworks. These “micro murals” will reflect local identity, spark curiosity, and add bursts of colour to our city’s streetscape.
Local artists are now invited to submit proposals to design and paint these electrical boxes. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate community spirit and be part of a lasting public art legacy. Read on for the full brief and application details.
Objective
To transform everyday infrastructure into vibrant public art that:
Reflects Armidale’s spirit, nature, and creativity
Surprises and delights passersby
Encourages exploration and photo-sharing
Adds artistic value to overlooked spaces
Supports and promotes local emerging artists on boxes, tourism art trails, social media and print collateral
Style and Mood
Playful and bold: Bright colours, strong shapes, and joyful compositions
Locally inspired: Nature, culture, and community stories in miniature form or
Whimsical and imaginative: Think of each box as a tiny portal into a creative world
Themes to Explore
Mini Landscapes: Native flora, fauna, and scenic elements
Community Moments: Festivals, music, food, and shared traditions
Hidden Gems: Abstract designs, dreamlike scenes, or surreal surprises
Symbolic Motifs: Indigenous patterns (with consultation), regional icons, historical nods
Audience
Locals of all ages
Visitors and tourists
Art lovers and photographers
Children and families (family friendly and tasteful)
Photogenic Features (Optional)
Include selfie-friendly elements or visual illusions
Use wrap-around designs that invite viewers to walk around and explore
Additional Options:
Invite art students or community groups to co-create designs under a lead artist.
Practical Considerations
Timeline:
- Window 1: September 30th - October 15th (in preparation for the festival 17th October large crowd engagement)
- Window 2: 18th October- 30th October (during the wider festival calendar).
Budget:
-Artist fee of $450
- plus a $100 paint allocation (paint supplied outside this amount will be at artist expense)
Box Dimensions: Approx. 1.2m high x 0.8m wide x 0.6m deep. See photo attached
Artist to Provide
Design brief
Spill cloth and brushes
Additional paint (if required)
New Supplier Form
Signed Induction and Guidelines paperwork on the day of painting
Council Will Provide
Safety equipment
Support with council permissions and logistics
Wide promotion for emerging artists in print and social media channels
Small induction before commencement of works
Primed electrical box
Next Steps and Important Dates
Submissions Due: Friday 25th September
Painting dates are between two time periods.
- Window 1: September 30th - October 15th (in preparation for the festival)
- Window 2: 18th October- 30th October (during the wider festival calendar).
Please send your concept designs, with a brief overview of your vision, preferred window and date to commence painting to events@armidale.nsw.gov.au.
Applicants will be notified by close of business on the 27th of September
Once an EOI has been approved, A council member will be in touch to discuss paint choices and colour palates more specifically.
Conditions of applications
You must be a resident of Armidale region i.e. living within the Armidale City.
You must not be an employee of Armidale Regional City Council.
You must not have painted an electrical box in the region before.
* photo credits:
Artforce Brisbane- An initiative of Brisbane City Council https://artforcebrisbane.com.au/gallery/
Pinterest electrical boxes owner unknown