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HOW TO GUIDE

If you were inspired by the emPower Project and would like to help enhance the beauty of San Rafael by painting more utility boxes, here is a step-by-step guide to start your own emPower Project.

STEP 1

Do a site visit to identify which box(es) you want to paint. Here are some good questions to consider when selecting a utility box for painting. Download this How to Guide here for more details.

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Contact:

Thomas Wong

Junior Engineer, Public Works. 415-485-5360

STEP 5

Determine a schedule for painting and do some outreach to the surrounding businesses to notify them of your project.

STEP 2

Decide if you have a budget for this project or if you will ask artists to work Pro Bono. If you are able, do some fundraising in order to pay the artists a stipend to cover their supplies and labor. Fundraising can be fun, and the artists will appreciate it! Businesses that are eager to see the boxes outside their doors may also be a good fundraising source.

STEP 6

Contact the Department of Public Works to obtain an encroachment permit. Artists must display encroachment permit if asked by City personnel while working on boxes. For the permit, the City will need: the painting schedule and the nearest parking meter to the box that the artist will need for their personal vehicle while painting. The meter number is written on the parking meter.

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CONTACT:

Thomas Wong

Public Works, Encroachment Permit

(415) 726-4430

STEP 3

Put the call out to local artists and collect design submissions. Contacts are included below for ArtWorks Downtown, the Dominican University art department, and Youth in Arts. These are great sources to tap into our local community of artists. Feel free to use the enclosed Painting Guidelines and Artist Contract to help guide you:

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https://drive.google.com/open?id=1U87nkFmZvgovHChYJ-1Q-8QUckARtxv0

STEP 7

Coordinate with the Department of Public Works to have the box(es) primed prior to painting. The City will also provide an anti-graffiti coating after the artist has completed painting. Artist must notify City when painting is projected to be finished.

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CONTACT:

Omar Garcia

Public Works, Facility Repair

(415) 686-4666

STEP 4

Remember to get the designs approved by the City before painting begins!

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CONTACT:

Danielle O’Leary,

Economic Development Director

(415) 485-3460

STEP 8

Plan your big reveal! The 2nd Friday Art Walk is a terrific event to debut your painted utility box(es) to the public.

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