Artists Sought for Riverside Traffic Signal Box Artworks - Indy Arts Council

Overview

Riverside Civic League is seeking artists to design and paint three traffic signal control boxes (TSBs) on N. Harding Street in Indianapolis' Riverside neighborhood. The purpose is to enable the neighborhood to express its identity, beautify streets, discourage vandalism, provide employment for artists, and allow personal expression. Artwork can be hand-painted or digitally printed on vinyl wrap.

Box Locations & Dimensions

• Harding and 16th (next to Kuntz Stadium's fence): 55"H x 44"W x 25"D
• Harding and 21st (across from Highbaugh's Barber Shop): 40"H x 24"W x 17"D
• Harding and Burdsal Pkwy (in parkway median): 55"H x 44"W x 25"D

Eligibility

• Age 15 or older (youth under 15 not eligible); ages 15-17 must have parent or guardian available to co-sign commissioning agreement
• Must live in one of these Central Indiana counties: Marion, Morgan, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby
• Strong preference for artists with direct connection to Riverside or directly adjacent neighborhoods
• Must be willing to meet all contractual obligations, adhere to strict budget and timeline, and have no AI-created or AI-assisted art

Themes & Subject Matter

Community members prefer artwork featuring nature, plants, animals, water and waterways; neighborhood history with people, events, and places; or scenes of common neighborhood activities such as fishing, gardening, or biking. Preferred style is photorealistic or realistic (though other styles considered). Artwork should evoke feelings of belonging, connection, inspiration, and unity. Graffiti-style art, political imagery, and words are not permitted (words prohibited for traffic safety).

Selection & Timeline

The RCL TSB Committee will review artists' qualifications and select artists to commission. Multiple artists may be selected, or one artist may complete all three boxes. Selected artists will enter into a commissioning agreement with the Indy Arts Council and will have 4-8 weeks to create a design using a scaled template. The Committee and Indy Arts Council will review and approve designs; neighboring property owners' written approval is required before the final agreement is signed.

Key Dates

• Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 31, 2026, by 11:59pm ET (not a postmark deadline; no exceptions)

Resources

Artists are encouraged to consult the following resources to understand Riverside's rich history: Northwest-Riverside – Encyclopedia of Indianapolis; Riverside Drive Historic District | TCLF; Riverside Park | Invisible Indianapolis; A look into historical Black Indy neighborhoods: Riverside and Haughville – Indianapolis Recorder; Park History – Indy Regional Park Foundation; Riverside Park – Encyclopedia of Indianapolis; Riverside Regional Park – Indy Parks & Recreation; Riverside Promenade – The Parks Alliance; and Indy Star – Riverside Promenade Officially Opens. The Riverside Park Promenade has interpretive signage covering neighborhood history; artists should ensure their designs do not duplicate topics already well-covered there.