Public Art Commission Invites Design Proposals for Electrify Amherst 2026

Source: Amherst Public Art Commission

The Amherst Public Art Commission, in partnership with the Business Improvement District, is calling for artists to submit designs for painting electrical boxes in downtown Amherst. Amherst invests in public art to enhance public spaces and the built environment, support economic growth and cultural diversity, create engaging and thought-provoking experiences that reflect the town’s values and history, and draw residents and visitors to the town center. Check out the Enlivening Public Spaces webpage for examples of similar public art installations in Amherst.

There will be three awards this cycle for electrical boxes located at:

• The North Pleasant Street end of the alley between Moge Tea and the Douglass Funeral Service,
• On Amity Street, at the west entrance to the parking lot between Amherst Coffee and PeoplesBank. 
• On the Town Common, just south of the parking area where Spring Street crosses the Commons.

Each awardee will receive a payment of $650, which covers a stipend and an allowance for materials.  Upon completion, the town requires that the artist transfer ownership of the artwork to the town. The artist has the right to be identified as the creator, to make copies, and representations of it.

Submission Details
To be considered, artists must submit the following information to the Public Art Commission by August 7, 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Please email all submissions to: publicart@amherstma.gov

1. Artist Name
2. Mailing Address
3. Email address and/or phone number
4. 4. Detailed illustration of your proposed original artwork (saved as a high-resolution image, in .jpg or .png format). A successful design will be viewable from a distance.

The electrical boxes are approximately 4′ x 5’ front and back, 2′ x 5’ on the sides, and 2′ x 4’ on top. Each surface of the electrical box must be included in the illustrated artwork. For example:

5. A short artist statement expressing the concept and intent of your artwork.

Submissions can also be sent via mail to: Amherst Public Art Commission, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002, or delivered to Town Hall directly (third floor/Mezzanine – ask for Angela).

Notification of awardees will be made around August 31, 2026

If you have questions about this project, please email publicart@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3292.