New artwork will be coming to Hollywood Boulevard thanks to a project being implemented by the Hollywood Entertainment District Business Improvement District (BID) and the Hollywood Arts Council.

Electrical utility boxes near Hollywood boulevard will be decorated similar to a project already completed on Sunset Boulevard. (photo courtesy of the HED BID)

The BID is calling for L.A.-based artists to submit plans for works to be displayed on 10 electrical utility boxes along the boulevard between Highland Avenue and Vine Street. A similar project was implemented near Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street last year.

Matthew Severson, operations coordinator for the Hollywood Entertainment District BID said the the goal is to have works by Los Angeles-based artists. The BID will give the artists $2,000 stipends to create their projects, which Severson said should reflect the Hollywood community. The artworks will be turned into graffiti-resistant vinyl wraps that will cover the utility boxes. The budget for the project is $10,000.

“One of the requirements is they be local artists. We want to make sure they represent the local area,” Severson said. “We are seeking painters, graphic designers, illustrators and photographers. Whatever medium they are using, we will transfer it into a digital rendering.”

The deadline for artists to submit plans for the art projects is July 29. Information and applications are available by visiting www.hollywoodartscouncil.org.

Requirements stipulate that the artworks do not have cartoon or graffiti images. The BID and arts council are seeking pieces that could be used in photo ops, Severson said. He cited the example of artist Colette Miller’s “Global Angel Wings Project” in the downtown arts district, which enables people to pose in front of “angel wings” painted on a wall for photographs that look like the person in the photo has wings.

“We are trying to promote interactive elements of the artworks,” Severson added.

The utility boxes to be decorated are located along Hollywood Boulevard. (photo by Edwin Folven)

“We are hoping they pull their inspiration from the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.”

The utility boxes, located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will enhance the visitor experience, Severson added. The project is supported by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Walk of Fame.

“It takes what is non-descript and nobody notices and instead makes it an art piece,” said Leron Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great. Having something like this helps discourage graffiti as well. Having something like this can be very positive.”

The project is being funded by the BID’s streetscape beautification budget. Businesses within the BID area are assessed an annual fee that is used for security and improvements to the neighborhoods in the entertainment district. The Hollywood Arts Council will vet the projects, with the final artworks selected by the BID’s Streetscape and Planning Committee. The artworks are expected to be installed by December.

“It’s something I look forward to continuing each year,” Severson said. “It’s an easy way of beautifying the streetscape pretty quickly.”