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The Ripples Project, 2025

The Ripples Project is a public art initiative led by The Avenue Concept with support from the City of Providence Office of Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Department of Art, Culture and Tourism.

The Avenue Concept’s Ripples Project has as its goal to leverage multi-organization partnerships in the creation of site-specific, relevant, inclusive, and joyful public art throughout Providence RI. We do this through capacity building initiatives including youth, emerging, and experienced artists, with the support of partner organizations that serve these populations.

As part of the Ripples Project, TAC will paint 50 Utility boxes and roughly 6 murals (equaling 3,600 square feet) over the next 2 years.

The Ripples Project by The Avenue Concept is a citywide celebration of creativity and collaboration, transforming Providence through vibrant, site-specific public art. With a goal to paint 50 utility boxes and create 3,600 square feet of murals over two years, this initiative unites artists of all levels—youth, emerging, and experienced—with partner organizations rooted in community. By investing in artists and public spaces, Ripples sparks joy and belonging while strengthening the creative workforce, building capacity across the arts ecosystem, and growing public good through shared, inclusive cultural expression. This effort is made possible in partnership with the City of Providence Mayor’s Office and the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism.

Founded in Providence, RI, in 2012, The Avenue Concept is Rhode Island’ leading public art organization. TAC has installed or exhibited more than 300 works of public art, and has invested over $2 million in artwork and infrastructure. The Avenue Concept mission is to intentionally curate and skillfully produce visual public art with artists and communities in the us, towards a world with clear pathways for artists to inspire joy, dialogue, and inclusion in public space.

The Ripples Project is made possible through a collaboration with the City of Providence Mayor’s Office, and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism. With this project, we hope to inspire further investment in public art and local artist communities in Providence and beyond.

 

Opportunities for Public Art: Submit Your Wall

Got a wall with potential? We’re always looking for new canvases to bring art to life across Providence. If you’re a property owner, business, or developer with space to share, let us know! By submitting your wall, you’ll be the first to hear about opportunities to host murals and other forms of public art, and you’ll play a vital role in shaping a more vibrant, creative city—one wall at a time.

Click here to submit your info

Ripples Utility Box Projects: 50 Boxes in 2025!

Utility Box Public Art Projects
As part of the Ripples Project—a partnership between The Avenue Concept, the City of Providence Mayor’s Office, and the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism—we are stewarding the creation of 50 utility box murals across the city. These small-scale, highly visible works offer artists a chance to create in public space, reach new audiences, and be part of shaping a more vibrant, inclusive Providence. More than beautification, this project is an investment in the city’s creative infrastructure—supporting artists in developing skills, gaining experience, and building careers in the public art field.

Each participating artist will receive training in safety, mark making, and artistic iteration, along with hands-on guidance in using paint and spray paint effectively in public settings. These trainings are designed not just to support a single project, but to build long-term creative capacity—laying a foundation for workforce development in the arts and offering tangible steps toward future opportunities in public and professional art-making.

The Ripples Utility Box Artists!
We are selecting 14 artists from a public open call to paint utility boxes throughout Providence. (The application period is now closed—featured artists will be announced here soon!)

In addition to these 14, the project includes 15 youth-painted boxes created through a partnership with New Urban Arts, a community-based organization that empowers high school students and artist mentors to explore creative expression together. This collaboration introduces youth to public art as a professional pathway while nurturing confidence, collaboration, and a sense of ownership in the city’s cultural landscape.

The remaining boxes will be painted by a curated group of experienced artists and community members selected by The Avenue Concept. By bringing together youth, open call artists, and seasoned creatives, we’re building an inclusive model for public art—one that values both access, pathways and excellence. Through this layered approach, the Utility Box Projects help grow the creative workforce, foster professional development, and reinforce the role of art as a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and public good.

Click here for more information

The Ripples Project: On View, West Side Funk by Swerve, with support Greg Was Here and Back