MEDFORD, Ore. – The City of Medford is transforming traffic signal boxes into works of public art, giving local artists a chance to brighten up downtown.
The project started in 2022 when a downtown business owner asked the city about beautifying the traffic signal boxes near their business. A couple years later, the city secured budget funding to expand the idea.
“In 2022, a downtown business owner had asked if they could ask some artists if they could beautify the boxes in front of their business, and from there, a couple years later, we were able to get some budget funding to do the program,” said Carla Paladiano, a principal planner with the City of Medford. “We want to beautify downtown. We want it to be a place for people to walk around and see what talent we have.”
Over the last couple of months, selected artists have showcased their work on traffic signal boxes throughout downtown Medford. Ten artists were chosen to participate, with each receiving a $250 stipend for their work.
The finished artwork will also be featured on a self-guided online tour, allowing people to explore the pieces throughout downtown. Twenty traffic signal boxes are currently part of the project.
“So we have twenty boxes that are on display,” Paladiano said. “We’re hoping to do a second round, maybe when the next budget cycle comes around, if we can, and we have ten artists whose art is being displayed. So we just want people to come down and take a look and enjoy it.”
The city developed a community theme for the artwork. The selection process focused on highlighting significant people, places and other elements that represent Medford and the surrounding region.
City officials say the project is designed to give local artists a chance to showcase their talents while making downtown Medford a more colorful and inviting place for residents and visitors.