Westminster, CA
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About the Program
The Signal Box Art Program transforms Westminster's 62 traffic signal cabinets into vibrant public art installations created by local artists. The program aims to enhance the streetscape, celebrate community identity, support local artists, and deter graffiti and visual blight.
Each completed signal box will include a plaque with the artist's name, design title, and installation date — and a unique identifier linking back to an interactive map on the City website where you can explore all installations across Westminster.
Signal Boxes
Westminster has 62 traffic signal cabinets located throughout the city in two cabinet types:
- Type 333 Traffic Signal Cabinets (39 total) – Stand-alone cabinets measuring 22" x 58.5" x 26" with two large front-facing cabinet doors.
- Type P Traffic Signal Cabinets (23 total) – Stand-alone cabinets measuring 38"/44" x 46" x 26". Some cabinets may be placed against a wall, so all four sides may not be accessible.
View the map of signal box locations throughout Westminster
The City Council affirmed the goal at the June 10, 2026 meeting of preparing 10 boxes annually to incrementally increase art in the community with a goal of painting all 62 boxes within 6 years. The Cultural Arts Commission recommended designating the signal boxes located nearest Westminster schools for youth artists from the adjacent schools.
How to Apply
The City conducts an annual call for artists each fall in cooperation with the Orange County Department of Education, timed to coincide with the back-to-school season.
Eligibility: Artists must live, work, or demonstrate a strong tie to the Westminster community. Applications may be submitted by a single artist or a group of artists collaborating on a single design.
Artist Stipend: Selected artists receive a $750 stipend to purchase materials and cover direct costs.
Applications open in August and must be submitted through the City's official application form by September 17, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Application Requirements
Each application must include the following:
- Artist biography
- Artist statement
- Names of any collaborators
- Preferred signal box location (must select 3 options)
- Connection to Westminster
- Artwork name
- Materials to be used
- Digital image of the design
- Signed artist agreement, City indemnification, consent to use the art in perpetuity, photo waiver
- A W-9 form will be required prior to receiving your stipend
2026–2027 Selection Process & Timeline
| Timeframe | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 6 | Call for Artists Open |
| September 17 | Deadline for Artist Submissions |
| September 17–28 | Staff and Orange County Department of Education Review |
| October 6 | Cultural Arts Commission Review and Selection |
| October 28 | City Council Review of Cultural Arts Commission Recommendations |
| November/December | Public Art Exhibit of All Submissions |
| January–June | Art Installation of the 2027 Selected Signal Box Art |
Selected artists will be required to provide a reproduction of their design (no larger than 24" x 36" and no smaller than 18" x 24") for presentation at a public meeting.
Installation
Artists are responsible for painting their selected signal box on-site. This approach provides direct artistic engagement and reduces overall program cost. After painting is complete, the City will apply weatherproofing and anti-graffiti coating to protect the artwork. Installations are coordinated with the Community Services Department throughout the program year.
Anti-graffiti coating extends the life of signal box art; however, maintenance and replacement will still be needed over time.
Sponsorship
The City will seek grant funding and overall program sponsorships to support the Signal Box Art Program. Per-box sponsorship is not available.
Program Background
The Signal Box Art Program was developed through the City's Cultural Arts Commission. Staff presented an initial report to the Commission on March 4, 2026, and program guidelines were presented on May 19, 2026, for input prior to formal City Council consideration. The City Council approved the program at the June 10, 2026 meeting.
Signal box art programs have been successfully adopted by multiple California cities, yielding vibrant public art, community engagement, and graffiti deterrence while supporting local artists.
The Cultural Arts Commission reviewed and recommended the following mission and vision statements as a framework for this Signal Box Art Program.
Mission: The Signal Box Art Program is designed to engage the community in the creation of vibrant and accessible public art which reflects the culture and community of Westminster residents, visitors, and businesses.
Vision: The Signal Box Art Program is an essential part of inspiring artists in the thriving art community of Westminster and Orange County.