Framingham 325th Celebration Committee Invites Artists to Transform City Signal Boxes into Public Art

FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham’s 325th Celebration Committee, through its Arts & Culture Subcommittee, is excited to announce an open call for artists for the Framingham 325 Signal Box Public Art Project.

As part of the City’s year-long anniversary celebration, this initiative seeks to transform everyday traffic signal boxes into vibrant, community-inspired works of public art.

Artists who live, work, study, or have a meaningful connection to Framingham are encouraged to submit original artwork that reflects the city’s landscapes, neighborhoods, culture, and people.

The selected designs will be digitally reproduced and professionally wrapped on traffic signal boxes across Framingham beginning in Fall 2025. Artists will not be painting directly onto the boxes; instead, artwork will be printed on durable vinyl and installed by a professional vendor.

Artists are invited to interpret Framingham from its founding in 1700 through to the present day in 2025. Submissions may focus on a recognizable landmark, a distinct time period, a pivotal moment in the city’s history, or any creative reflection that captures Framingham’s evolution—past, present, or future. The goal is to celebrate the community’s rich heritage and diverse identity through accessible public art.

“Through this public art initiative, we aim to celebrate Framingham’s rich history, diverse community, and bright future,” said Jessica Roscio, Co-Chair of the Arts & Culture Subcommittee and executive Director of Danforth Art. “This project is about visibility, not just of art in public spaces, but of the voices and visions of the people who call Framingham home. We hope to see designs that are bold, meaningful, and deeply-rooted in what makes this city unique.”

“This is a chance to tell Framingham’s story in a whole new way, right on our streets,” said Susan Petroni, Co-Chair of both the Arts & Culture Subcommittee and the 325th Celebration Committee. “We want to engage artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to help capture the spirit of our City through color, creativity, and community pride.”

Design selections will be made by the Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, in partnership with Anna Tucker, Executive Director of the Framingham History Center and Co-Chair of the 325th Celebration Committee.

Key Details:

• Artists may submit up to three original designs; one per signal box size.
• No previous public art experience is required.
• High school students and older are eligible to apply.
• Each selected artist will receive an honorarium of $250.
• Submission deadline: August 17, 2025
• Selected artists will be notified in early September, with installations targeted for late October.
• Artwork will be printed on vinyl and wrapped onto the boxes — artists will not paint directly on the surfaces.

To view full submission guidelines and access the online application form, visit:
https://framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Office-of-the-Mayor-12/Framingham-325-Signal-Box-Art-Submission-175

The Arts & Culture Subcommittee is also accepting sponsorships for each of the signal boxes. Sponsor logos will appear on one side of the box, along with the selected artist’s biography. Those interested in supporting this city-wide public art initiative should contact Jessica Roscio or Susan Petroni for more information.

To learn more about the Framingham 325th Celebration, visit:
www.framinghamma.gov/325

For questions or sponsorship inquiries, contact:
Jessica Roscio – jroscio@framingham.edu
Susan Petroni – spetroni@framinghamma.gov

Let’s bring creativity to the streets of Framingham—one signal box at a time.

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