ARTFORCE - Painting Traffic Signal Boxes across Brisbane

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Aug 31, 2004

Let me introduce Catherine Ovenden from Queensland Urban Ecology. I have invited her to tell you about this years Electricity Box painting project. This is the one that we talked so much about last year.

Artforce is a public art project that reduces graffiti and encourages residents to show pride in their local community. Painting a traffic signal box is a great community activity. People of any age or any artistic experience can apply. You can paint a box on your own, as a group or as a family activity.

Artforce is looking for emerging and established artists to colour the streets of Brisbane with unique and wonderful designs. Artforce celebrates Brisbane's diverse communities and aims to foster respect and community pride by providing high profile canvases.

TSBs are owned and operated by Brisbane City Council and are located at every set of traffic lights in Brisbane. About 600 of the available 800 have already been painted. Most of the artworks are displayed on the Artforce gallery website On the website, you can vote for your favourite TSB, view a list of available blank boxes, check out news updates and report graffiti or damage to a TSB artwork.

To be eligible to participate in Artforce, the artist must reside within the city of Brisbane and have your design approved by Queensland Urban Ecology. You must sign an Artists' Agreement before you can paint a TSB. Queensland Urban Ecology can provide assistance if required.

Artforce has an annual awards event to recognise outstanding artwork in five categories (see below). The Awards are judged by independent art authorities and are held in November.

Overall Winner will receive $1000AU
Runner-up will receive $500
Best series [min. 3 boxes] $250
Under 12s Winner $250
12 to 18 Year Olds' Winner $250

Artforce is an initiative of Brisbane City Council, managed by Queensland Urban Ecology. To find out more information about the Artforce project, please contact:

Queensland Urban Ecology PO Box 3735. SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101 Tel: +61 07 3342 6094 Fax: +61 07 3844 0416 Email qldue@optusnet.com.au Website For Info

* Ed's Note

For those of you who are Brisbane residents, I hope you decide to get involved in this generous project. Spread the word around in Artist's circles and amongst the general community, and tell the kids at school. The project is meant to be fun for all. It is great to see Brisbane beautified in this way. I think it is a great opportunity for Emerging Australian Artists to build a public profile. For those that are already established, it is a great way to get out and mingle in the community. By doing this, artists have a golden opportunity to be involved in an interesting and rewarding Public Relations exercise.