Art on Boxes is a public art initiative that transforms traffic-signal boxes into vibrant, locally inspired artworks. It celebrates our unique cultural identity, enhances our streets and reduces graffiti.
We are now inviting artists to submit new artworks for our 2026 installation round.
Artists will be paid $900 for their artwork if selected.
Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026.
We are seeking designs for 12 traffic-signal boxes located along Kamo Road and into the central city. Artwork placement will be decided by Whangarei District Council.
We welcome submissions of original artworks that contribute positively to our public spaces, and reflect the diversity, character and creativity of our community and landscapes.
Artworks must be the original creations of the artists and not AI-generated.
Why participate?
This is an opportunity to:
- contribute to Whangārei’s public spaces
- share your creative voice
- gain exposure through a high-visibility public art programme
- take part, whether you’re an emerging talent, established or somewhere in between
- be paid for your work.
Who can apply?
We welcome original submissions from:
- artists living within the Whangārei District
- artists of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels
- youth artists and local schools.
Staff and elected members of Whangarei District Council may submit artworks for Art on Boxes but will not be eligible for payment if selected.
Information for schools and community groups
Schools and community groups are welcome to participate in Art on Boxes.
We encourage:
- group‑designed artworks supported by a teacher, tutor or lead artist
- designs that reflect local stories, identity and youth perspectives.
Please note:
- A single, nominated representative must submit the application.
- All artworks must meet the same content guidelines.
- Selected groups will be paid the same artist fee as individual artists.
If your school or community group needs any guidance before applying, please get in touch:
Enquiries
We are interested in artworks relating to the themes below, however these are just ideas and we welcome applications outside of this scope.
- Road safety: ‘Art that helps us all get home safe’ – visibility, shared roads, patience, kindness at intersections.
- Love it here: ‘What makes Whangārei home?’ – local icons, neighbourhoods, community spirit, places we cherish.
- Natural environment: ‘Kaitiakitanga in colour’ – our harbour, native flora / fauna, maunga, awa, coastal and urban ecosystems.
Applicants are welcome to submit up to three artworks.
DO SUBMIT artwork that:
- is original and artist created
- reflects positive, community-focused themes
- is culturally inspired, where appropriate, and respectful
- uses bold, high-contrast designs suitable for large-format printing
- contains non-commercial, visual elements
- will cover the front, back and sides of a traffic-signal box.
DO NOT SUBMIT artwork that:
- uses AI tools in its creation
- distracts, confuses or interferes with road users
- contains offensive, inappropriate, harmful or discriminatory language or imagery
- includes political, religious or advocacy messaging
- includes commercial or promotional content (e.g. business names, logos, branding)
- uses copyrighted material without permission.
Artworks will be supplied as digital files, with the majority turned into vinyl wraps that will be fixed onto the traffic-signal boxes, rather than being painted on site.
Our traffic-signal boxes come in a variety of sizes, but all artworks need to be adaptable across them.
Please design your artwork in a landscape format at an approximate 2.5:1 ratio (width is about two-and-a-half times the height). This panoramic format allows your artwork to be resized and cropped to fit different traffic-signal boxes while keeping the overall composition intact.
Successful artworks will be selected based on:
- design
- meaning and relevance
- originality
- creativity
- suitability for the dimensions of a traffic-signal box.
Artworks will be selected by a panel of judges and successful applicants will be notified by phone.
The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Final offers will be conditional on artists providing high-resolution files in appropriate dimensions.
Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026.
To submit your application via our online form, you will need to:
- Include a short explanation of the meaning behind your artwork.
- Provide a digital image of your artwork (maximum file size: 10 megabytes). If your application is successful, we will contact you to request a high-resolution file of your design suitable for printing on a traffic-signal box.
Submit your artwork for Art on Boxes