Elgin is asking artists to turn manhole covers into works of art.
With the DuPage Court courtyard receiving all new underground infrastructure, shade structures, landscape and seating, the idea is to dress up another part of the streetscape as part of the renovation work being done this spring and summer, officials said.
The call is out for artists to submit 2D designs for the covers that will be cast in iron and installed by a vendor.
City staff realized that the mundane, utilitarian covers for street manholes could be small works of art with a little imagination brought to the process, said Edell Fiedler, the city’s director of communications and engagement.
The goal is to install between 10 and 20 artist-designed covers this year, Fiedler said.
Manhole cover art is popular in Japan, where the first one appeared in 1977, according to web-japan.org, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan webiste.
While the initial design featured a fish in water, today manhole cover art is far more elaborate and can be found everywhere, the site said. Fans known as “manholders” and tourists love spotting new designs, such as those featuring Hello Kitty images and symbols specific to a certain region, the site said.
For Elgin’s manhole cover art, the city is looking for designs that celebrate the city’s unique features and architecture, officials said.
“The arts contribute to Elgin’s vibrancy, enhancing it as a destination that attracts people to the community and benefits the economy,” says Amanda Harris, director of cultural arts and special events. “We are excited to launch this effort and look forward to what artists will submit.”
Entries are not limited to local artists. Officials are hoping people from around the world with a variety of backgrounds and accomplishment levels submit designs, which are due by 9 a.m. Friday, March 1. Applications can be downloaded at cityofelgin.org/DocumentCenter/View/81890/Call-for-Art-2024-fillable.
The Elgin City Council has embraced efforts to embrace the city’s art reputation, approving a public art plan in 2017 and designating the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission to implement new elements every year. Currently, there are 20 public art pieces located throughout the city.
Every piece is listed on a self-guided Elgin Public Art tour map, which can be found at the city’s website, cityofelgin.org, under the Explore Elgin/Cultural Arts tab. In addition to sculptures, mosaics and murals, the city has embraced decorating things like utility boxes and sewer grates.
The Utility Box Wrapping Program not only promotes local artists by giving them a blank canvas but helps deter graffiti, Fiedler said.
Applications for utility box wraps are also being accepted. To get more information, go to cityofelgin.org/2335/Utility-Box-Wrapping.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
