Get ready to think "Outside the Box," Toronto!

The City of Toronto has joined forces with a group of 52 local artists in an effort to—at least temporarily—bring some artistic inspiration to a part of the city which is often overlooked; its generic, metallic, traffic signal boxes. The effort, which has since gone online via Twitter and Facebook, under the handle @StreetARToronto, will eventually see  the transformation of 64 traffic signal boxes across the city. 

Transformation of the first traffic signal box, outside of the Queen Street HBC, image by Twitter User Justin Pape

Between June 22 and 26, the first 38 boxes will be painted, to be complete in time for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, the balance of the total 64 boxes to be finished later in August. It is the aim of the project to add a pop of colour to the often monotone cityscape, and will hopefully be a memorable feature for all those visiting the city during the games. 

Unknown artist paints with bright colours, image by Twitter User Papirmass Art

Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, is excited about the project, stating that artwork will, "enhance the beauty of our city while reducing graffiti vandalism." These sentiments were joined by Councillor Cesar Pelacio (Ward 17 Davenport), who believes that, "not only does this program result in cleaner and more vibrant communities, it also provides opportunities for emerging artists."

Black-and-white motif, image courtesy of the Downtown Yonge BIA Twitter feed

Piano motif, image courtesy of the StreetARToronto Twitter feed

Toronto has more than 2,200 traffic signal boxes situated across the city, many of which have become the target of vandals. Therefore, it is among the aims of this art project to help curb the stem of graffiti vandalism that has plagued these and other similar city assets. In addition to the hand-painted boxes, some traffic signal boxes will continue to be coated in a graphic coating wrap, as a part of a larger initiative to beautify the city. These boxes will feature the artwork of local artists, Gary Taxali and the late Moira McElhinney. In all, 75 boxes will be wrapped by the end of this year. 

Sightseers, visitors, and lovers of public art, are encouraged to track down these colourful works of art, which will be on display throughout the summer. Who knows where the next one will pop up? Forum members are encouraged to post any traffic signal box art on our Forum. Happy hunting!