Gallery 24/7: Art on Traffic Control Boxes

Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) initiated a countywide public art project beginning in 2010 entitled Gallery 24/7 to further integrate the arts into non-traditional venues to expand the reach of the arts;  to broaden and diversify public exposure, interest in, and access to the arts;  to expand exhibition opportunities for New Jersey visual artists; and welcome tourism to Somerset County.    With the aid of dedicated funding provided by an arts grant, and through a competitive and professionally juried selection process, New Jersey visual artists were  invited to create and submit original artwork for this project..   A total of 22 original artworks were reproduced on a special vinyl adhesive film and professionally applied to the exterior of selected county-owned Traffic Control Boxes (TCB) throughout Somerset County.   Nine (9) more art works were selected in 2014.

Project Goals

• Encourage, promote and support the talents and visibility of NJ visual artists by expanding  public exhibition opportunities

• Provide unique opportunities for an all-inclusive viewing public to access and enjoy visual art beyond a gallery or museum experience at their convenience, and “admission free”

• Stimulate the local economy by welcoming & increasing cultural tourism

• Provide creative experiences in unexpected public places by integrating the arts into non-traditional venues, and transforming the ordinary, into the extraordinary.

• Provide a catalyst for dialogue; encourage socialization

• Graffiti deterrent

• Create and encourage partnership opportunities   

• Responds to the SCC&HC’s Long Range Plan        

Benefits to Visual Artists

• A honorarium is provided to each artist whose artwork is selected

• Wide distribution of companion promotional brochure

  Identifying/highlighting featured artworks & artists, and encouraging tourism

• Artwork accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  for 3-5 years

• Increased visibility for NJ visual artists

Gallery 24-7 Guide

Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.