The City of New Braunfels is inviting local artists to submit their designs for the new Traffic Signal Box Art Program. Selected artwork will be featured on traffic signal boxes throughout downtown New Braunfels, and a total of seven designs will be chosen and displayed, with the artwork expected to remain in place for approximately three to five years.
The theme is “New Braunfels: Life’s a Splash!” Submissions from amateur and professional artists of all ages are welcome, as long as the artist resides inside the New Braunfels city limits or the city’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
"This is a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their creativity and for the City to continue its efforts to enhance city streetscapes, promote community pride, and establish a sense of place,” said Economic and Community Development Director Jeff Jewell. “The theme ‘New Braunfels: Life’s a Splash’ allows for open artistic interpretation and encourages vibrant, engaging, and community-inspired artwork.”
Artists can submit up to two designs for consideration. Submissions can include various artistic mediums, like painting, photography, mixed media, or digital art. However, all artwork must be digitally submitted for consideration. If selected, artists will be required to provide a high-resolution file (300dpi or higher) to ensure optimal print quality. Artwork must be original but can either be a newly created piece or an existing work of the artist. Submissions must not include trademarks, advertisements, religious or political imagery, sexual content, or traffic-related symbols such as road signs or signals. A six-member Art Selection Committee will review submissions based on the following criteria:
- Visual impact
- Engagement, interactivity, and potential for photo opportunities
- Connection to New Braunfels
- Creativity and uniqueness
- Alignment with the project theme
Up to 10 points will be awarded in each of those categories, and selected artwork will be assigned to one of seven designated traffic signal boxes by the New Braunfels Downtown Board. Selected artists will be required to sign an Art Release Form before their artwork is installed. Each selected artist will receive a $500 stipend for their work.
Applications and artwork must be submitted by 5pm on March 28th, 2025, and the final selection will happen during the New Braunfels Downtown Board meeting scheduled for May 20th, 2025, with installation on traffic signal boxes estimated to take place in June 2025. To fill out an online application, or to learn more about the Traffic Signal Box Art Program, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/trafficsignalart.