Call to artists for downtown Barrie displays

This cabinet in downtown Barrie was wrapped by LiftiD and Sage in 2023.

The City of Barrie is calling on local artists to submit original artwork for its annual traffic cabinet wrapping program.

Barrie staff want to beautify the city by wrapping five or more traffic cabinets with unique, community-inspired designs in 2025.

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Wrapping utility and traffic cabinets with art is part of the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program to reduce graffiti in Barrie.

Since its inception, over 20 cabinets have been wrapped with public art. The wraps are protected by a special coating that protects them from paint and the elements, extending the life of the artwork for up to 10 years.

The artist-designed traffic cabinets are displayed in key locations throughout Barrie, featuring original artwork that adds vibrancy to the city and showcases the talent of local artists.

The theme for this year’s artwork is Colours of our Community. Local artists are invited to submit a proposed design in the form of a sketch or draft, showing their style, intended composition, and colour palette.

Imagery must be family and community-friendly, and artists should consider the four sides of the traffic cabinet.

And new for 2025, the city will support the digitization of analogue artwork (selected artists will be responsible for transporting their art object to the local vendor).

Submitted proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 16.

Artwork designs will be reviewed and chosen by a selection committee from the Barrie Public Art Committee and the city’s Traffic & ROWA Services Department.

Selected artists will be paid for their artwork that will be installed this fall.