Mrs Sharon Bull presented a seminar at NAMTA Art Trade Fair in Indianapolis in 2010, where she reported on initiatives being undertaken in the Wollongong region in Australia
She indicated that graffiti on the traffic light signal boxes plagued the Road's and Traffic authority and the Wollongong Council. Together they initiated a scheme aimed at preventing graffiti and tagging. Funded by the two bodies they disseminated information calling for expressions of interest from artists to submit samples of their work
Artists donated their time and skill to paint the signal boxes. Prize monies through Cultural Services were offered for the judges' and the people's choices. "Through this method, the community 'buy in', not only to pride in their suburb but to art.
Over 300 boxes were painted providing ample scope for many artists to participate. They interacted with residents who became fiercely protective of the icon in their area. It has proved to be a very popular decision all round
So popular that, now the paint work is beginning to fade, it will be recommissioned having lasted some 5 years with a 95% rate of no graffiti or tagging. The organisers are fairly confident in assessing that some former graffiti artists found a positive outlet or canvas for their work. They too, are custodians
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