Transforming Utility into Art
The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has been proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative to bring original art to 26 utility boxes throughout the city’s downtown area.
According to Kellen Boice, executive director of the Sioux Falls Arts Council, the project aimed to highlight a wide variety artists in the community of Sioux Falls.
The Arts Council worked with the City of Sioux Falls, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., the Multi-Cultural Center, Lutheran Social Services and other nonprofits to extend the call for art.
“Public art is an essential element of 21st century placemaking — it tells important stories about the spirit of a community and empowers us to see our city through a different lens. In essence, public art brings us together. We’ve been honored to work alongside city leaders, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., and our local arts community to bring this project to life.”
— Andy Patterson, President, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
Transforming Utility into Art
This gallery features a sampling of the art boxes found between Sixth and 14th streets, from Minnesota Avenue to just east of Phillips Avenue. Each box features a QR code so visitors can learn more about the artist behind each work, including through audio recordings. Photos by Emily Spartz Weerheim.
