Art on traffic signal boxes - Artforce Brisbane

Artforce Brisbane is a community art project that enables local artists to paint their original works on traffic signal boxes around Brisbane suburbs.

Traffic signal boxes are the metal boxes at traffic light intersections that house traffic light electronics. Over 1200 boxes have been painted through the Artforce program. Old boxes are often re-painted when they become weathered and new intersections are popping up all the time. Periodically, a set number of boxes are allocated for repainting to ensure the Artforce gallery is always fresh and up to date.

Artforce provides residents of all ages and artistic backgrounds an opportunity to design and paint an artwork on a traffic signal box. You can help decorate Brisbane's busy streets and be part of Brisbane's 'drive-through gallery'.

Who can participate

Anyone can apply to paint a traffic signal box. Families, professional or first time artists, school students, kids and elders can get involved in Artforce.

To apply, send an email to Artforce Brisbane. 

Artists must:

  • reside in the City of Brisbane
  • have their design approved 
  • not be an employee of Brisbane City Council.

How long do artworks last

On average, traffic signal box artworks last from six months to six years. Traffic signal boxes are Brisbane City Council equipment and may require upgrading or replacing at any time. There is no guarantee of how long your artwork will remain on a traffic signal box.

Art on Energex pad-mount transformers

Since 2015, experienced Artforce artists have been painting on selected Energex pad-mount transformers.

Pad-mount transformers are large metal boxes located across the city that form part of the electricity network.

Council does not provide approvals or paint for Energex assets outside the Artforce Brisbane program. Contact Energex for any enquiries regarding their assets.

Artforce Brisbane Awards

The Artforce Brisbane Awards is an all ages celebration. The awards are held annually and showcase Artforce artworks completed in the preceding 12 months. 

All eligible Artforce participants receive an invitation to attend the annual awards.

More information

For more information on Artforce or painting a box, email Artforce Brisbane.

View the Artforce Brisbane website.

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Topics: public art

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