SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The utility boxes sitting on street corners throughout Downtown Syracuse are easy to ignore. Hundreds of people walk by them every day without a second thought.
But city leaders are helping to turn those everyday eyesores into public art, hoping the colorful displays will do more than brighten the streets. They’re anticipating that the art will change the perception of downtown itself.
Becca Flint, community relations manager for the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, said the artwork adds another layer to the downtown experience.
“I think that there’s so much to do in Downtown Syracuse and in all urban areas and so, it’s such a walkable city,” Flint said. “To add another element of enjoyment while you’re walking around, it really just increases the experience that people have.”
Flint said the Downtown Syracuse Foundation partnered with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse to launch the project after seeing similar efforts in other nearby cities.
The initiative received public funding through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement program. It’s also supported through the governor’s office and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.
But the project isn’t just about making downtown more colorful. It’s also giving local artists a chance to put their work in front of the public.
And for some Syracuse residents, that’s reason enough to support it.
“I’m all about anything that supports local artists, local stores, anything like that, that’s for sure,” said Beth Moya, a Syracuse resident.
Local artists submit their artwork, and the foundation puts their top picks out for a public vote on the CNY Arts website. This lets Syracuse residents decide what kind of art they see downtown.
The artwork is also creating a new experience for people visiting downtown businesses.
The newest painted utility box sits near Sweet Praxis bakery on Water Street. Flint said the bakery’s owner enjoyed watching the artist transform the box day by day.
“She commented how fun it was to watch the artist work every day and transform the utility box,” Flint said. “It’s really given all of her customers such a great experience in addition to coming to the businesses.”
The most recent call for artists was last April, and the next one is coming up in the spring.
The next time you’re walking through Downtown Syracuse, take a second look at the street corners. What used to blend into the background might just become the highlight of your walk.