Bridge Housing Charitable Trust
Paid commission to paint a utility box mural at an affordable housing development in Cambridge, celebrating community, belonging and optimism.
Bridge Housing Charitable Trust is commissioning an artist to transform a ~11m² utility box into a vibrant, welcoming artwork at Peake Mews, one of its affordable housing developments in Cambridge, Waikato. The box sits within the development — surrounded by homes, shared spaces, and the daily life of the community — and the artwork should feel like it belongs there.
The brief is deliberately open. We're looking for original concepts that are imaginative, colourful and engaging. Ideas might draw on local flora and fauna, nature, play, imagination, storytelling, or abstract designs that bring energy and life to the space. What matters most is that the work celebrates community, belonging and optimism — something that residents, especially children, will enjoy for years to come.
The Artwork
The artwork should be bright, positive and family-friendly; appeal to children while being enjoyable for all ages; create a sense of pride and place for residents; be suitable for a public, residential environment; and be durable for outdoor conditions.
The Surface
The utility box is powder-coated steel measuring 1950 × 2030 × 860mm, with four faces plus the top available. A template with exact dimensions can be found in the documents below.
Budget
The $3,000 NZD budget is all-inclusive, covering your artist fee, materials, surface preparation, and installation.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is primarily aimed at Waikato-based artists, but applications from further afield are welcome.
How to Apply
Applications are free and submitted through Patronage. Before you apply, make sure your Patronage profile includes:
Your application should include a concept sketch or visual mock-up, a short description of the inspiration behind your design, and examples of previous work. Please review the full artist brief, box template, and terms before applying — all three are available in the documents below.
Applications close 28 August 2026.
This open call is managed by Patronage on behalf of Bridge Housing Charitable Trust.
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