Call for Cabinet Art Submissions
Call to artists…. To help beautify our streets
You may paint for a living or as a hobby, whatever the case, we want to offer you the chance to use our cabinets as a canvas to publicly showcase your work.
The cabinet art programme is no labour of love as you'll be paid $600 for your mahi. We have six utility cabinets in Nelson we wish to adorn, there are no limits as to how many cabinets you can propose to do. A great way to earn some dollars and do what you love!
The six pictured Nelson cabinets have been selected for murals at this round.
Send us your design ideas by Closing date 2nd March 2026.
Read more about how to get involved……
Mural process
· Utility Cabinets are identified and designs are sought through our dedicated webpage: https://www.acn.org.nz/opportunities
· Artists designs are submitted via email to lloyd@acn.org.nz by 2nd March 2026
· Submissions shall include: - a brief explanation of your design and if appropriate how it has a particular relevance to the chosen site (maximum 500 words). If your design is selected it may be used on digital platforms, along with details of you, - a colour digital images (preferably JPEG file) less than 2mb of your design which should clearly show how your design works on the front, top and the two side panels of the cabinet - a completed application form. Downloadable below.
· A selection panel will consider all submissions and select six designs for the cabinets available. Artists will be notified by email on the outcome of the selection process. Selectors decisions will be full and final.
· Selected artists will be commissioned to progress their designs onto the allocated cabinet within an agreed timeframe. Organisers will pre-prime the cabinets ready for the artist to proceed. The allocated artist fee is $600 (+GST if applicable). The artist will provide materials and equipment required to carry out the commission and will complete and adhere to a Health and Safety Risk Assessment form (template provided by the organisers), prior to any work starting.
· Artist submits photos of the completed work and invoice to Arts Council Nelson for final sign off. On approval the invoice will be paid within ten days of receipt.
Terms and Conditions:
* Completed works may be published on the organisers and sponsors website and social media platforms along with artist acknowledgements. Organiser reserve the right to use images of completed works for any promotional activity of this or future cabinet art projects.
* Organisers require the artist to follow the agreed health and safety guidelines for working in the public domain.
* All paint, equipment and tools must be stored safely when working on site so as not to impede any pedestrian access or cause any health and safety concerns. All materials must be removed from site and stored securely when not working on the site.
* Artists are required to ensure that the area around the cabinet is kept clean and tidy at all times whilst working on site. A drop cloth must be used to protect the immediate site from paint spillage.
* The final work must accurately reflect the approved design. Any variation to the original design must be approved by the organisers prior to being made.
o Organisers will be responsible for the maintenance and/or any remedial work as required during the life of the work. Organiser do however reserve the right to retire the work at any time at their discretion.
Important Mural application requirements:
· Paint used should be quality exterior acrylic . We recommend the use of Resene Lumbersider which is the product also found in their test pots.
· No paint is to cover the handles, locks, sight glass (centre left of left door) or identification tags in top left corner of cabinet. Any paint on these surfaces will need to be removed by the artist prior to payment of invoice.
· Care to be taken around the top vent, to ensure no holes are blocked.
We look forward to receiving your designs
Any enquiries to be directed to Lloyd Harwood on 027 326 9166 or at lloyd@acn.org,nz
