Title
Approval of Recommended 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Designs
Recommended Action
The Arts Commission recommends approval of ten designs for the 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Public Art Project as determined by public vote.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the top ten designs for the 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Public Art Project as recommended by the Arts Commission and determined by public vote.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the top ten designs for the 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Public Art Project as recommended by the Arts Commission and determined by public vote.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson Arts Commission Staff Liaison
Kathryn Dorgan, Chair, Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
Each year, community members are invited to submit their traffic box wrap designs to be considered for a public vote. At the end of the voting period the top ten images with the most likes are printed as vinyl canvases and installed on traffic boxes around the City. The project started in 2015 and there are currently 82 traffic box wraps on display throughout the City.
For the latest round of wraps, the application period opened April 1 and closed April 29. A total of 100 proposals (up from 90 in 2025) were received from area artists across a wide range of design and materials.
Public voting took place through the City’s Engage Olympia webpage from June 1-30. A total of 1,428 (1,439 in 2025) responses were received, and the voting results and images of the top ten designs were shared at the July 9, 2026 Arts Commission meeting. A special meeting was held July 16 to review additional information to inform the Arts Commission’s recommendation.
Upon Council approval, staff will contract with the approved artists and the images will move into fabrication, to be printed on vinyl and installed on ten boxes throughout Olympia. The wraps are expected to last for several years.
Climate Analysis:
Traffic box wraps can contribute to the overall City strategy of encouraging alternative transportation but otherwise have no bearing on greenhouse gas.
Equity Analysis:
This is a low barrier project for artist participation, which draws youth and emerging artists within 30 miles of Olympia. Voting on the Traffic Box Wraps is open to all. Folks without computer access can participate by visiting the Olympia Timberland Library.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This project receives great community response and participation.
Financial Impact:
$18,000 identified in the 2026 Municipal Art Fund for artist honoraria for use of their artwork ($500 each), and fabrication and installation of the vinyl wraps. This project also serves to decrease graffiti on the boxes, reducing staff time for maintenance.
Options:
1. Move to approve the top ten designs for the 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Public Art Project as recommended by the Arts Commission and determined by public vote.
2. Modify the recommendation of traffic box wraps for fabrication and installation.
3. Do not approve recommendation and do not move into fabrication and installation.
Attachments:
Presentation