Since 2001 the City of Santa Cruz has been commissioning art to adorn some of the 43 signal boxes at traffic intersections operated by the City. Visitors and residents have enjoyed paintings of the Santa Cruz boardwalk, marine animals, robots, happy pets and much more! The “Graphic Traffic” program helps reduce graffiti and contributes to a vibrant landscape. Typically the City Arts program issues an annual call for proposals.

The City Arts Commission may develop themes or target specific areas for new or replaced signal box art. All painted boxes are finished with graffiti coating. Please note that many of the utility boxes in town are owned by other agencies (e.g. Comcast, ATT etc.) and are not eligible for painting.