City launches ‘Beyond the Box’ program to increase public art

Public art has proven to be a useful component of the economic development toolbox. In addition to helping create vibrancy throughout business and residential districts alike, public art creates a sense of community, improves the aesthetic value of often overlooked and blighted areas and helps improve wayfinding in pedestrian areas.

Tapping into its rich history as a home for artists, the City of Pittsburg has launched the “Beyond the Box” utility box mural project as a creative way to turn less than attractive utility and signal boxes into pops of artistic expression that highlight local artists and community groups.

– Kolette Simonton, City of Pittsburg, CA