The blank-faced traffic signal box at South Carson and 5th streets in Carson City on April 15, 2025.
Photo by Scott Neuffer.
The Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and McDonald's in Carson City, Minden and Dayton are inviting local artists to submit public art proposals to beautify traffic signal boxes in Carson City, the department said in a news release.
To apply, submit the “Out of the Box 2025” form at carson.org/arts between April 20 and May 20. Attach one PDF including contact information, a brief artist statement, proposed design and other requested materials.
Sponsored by McDonald’s, 395 Motorsports and Carson Paint Mart, the “Out of the Box” arts initiative aims to enhance the streetscape, create paid opportunities for local artists and showcase Carson City’s culture and talent, the city said.
Eligible artists must live in Northern Nevada or rural Nevada, supply a W-9 form and invoice (parent or guardian if artist is under 18) and must be able to receive payment by check. No resume or portfolio is required, and young and/or new artists are encouraged to submit.
Eligible designs
• Submit only one design for this call to artists.
• Designs should be based on the theme of Carson City history.
• No logos or copyrighted images without written permission.
• Avoid large areas of dark color to maintain temperatures inside the box; the top of the box must not be a dark color.
• Avoid words or shapes that look like road signs (arrows, red octagons, etc.).
• Hashtags and artist signatures are allowed, less than 5% of the painted/beautified area.
• No political or religious messages or symbols, gratuitous violence, racism, bigotry, or inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful, tortuous, defamatory or libelous content.
• The bottom righthand corner of each side may be covered with sponsor recognition.
Eligible boxes
• Clearview and Carson Street.
• Eagle Station and Carson Street
• 5th Street and Carson Street
• Musser and Carson Street
• Robinson and Carson Street
• Winnie and Carson Street
Painting requirements
• Apply supplied primer.
• Use only UV-resistant acrylic latex or similar paint designed for outdoor use. All materials must be approved by the city.
• Apply supplied topcoat.
Selected artists will be paid $1,000 per box. This includes artist compensation and any supplies, materials, and installation costs, the city said.
The city will maintain control of the boxes including any maintenance or replacement, but the artist may choose to touch up work at their own expense.
City staff will review submissions for eligibility. An ad-hoc panel will review eligible designs and narrow options for the Carson City Cultural Commission to select from. The Cultural Commission will make recommendations to the city manager, who may approve or deny recommendations or can defer decisions to the Board of Supervisors. Selected designs may be chosen in either an open category or a youth category (17 years old or younger).
Those interested in volunteering for the review panel can submit the form at carson.org/government/departments-g-z/parks-recreation-open-space/arts-culture/grants-opportunities.
Volunteers must be Carson residents, able to review all submissions and available during the day for panel meetings. They must also be free from conflicts of interest.
Those interested in sponsoring the program or in more information can contact Anna Freeman at afreeman@carson.org or 775-283-7867.