Artwork to cover utility boxes cannot contain numbers or lettering that may look like a road sign.

CRANBERRY TWP — A new pilot program aims to make the township a little brighter.

During a meeting last week, township supervisors heard about the Art Box pilot program, which will kick off in 2019.

According to Tina Fedko, the township's communications manager, the program is intended to provide public exposure for artists by wrapping utility boxes in locally produced artwork.

For the first year of the program, three to five boxes will be wrapped. According to Fedko, submissions will be sought throughout the region, including from students in the Seneca Valley School District and through a collaboration with the Cranberry Artists Network.

“They're really excited to embrace it and partner with us,” Fedko said.

Submissions will also be encouraged through the Cranberry Public Library's MakerSpace, which is the Cranberry Township Community Chest's 2019 Project of the Year.

A committee will be formed to select the artwork, and rules and regulations are in place for submissions. Fedko said work must be original and positive, and cannot include logos, letters or numbers, so as to not be confused with traffic signs. Additionally, work cannot promote or advertise people or businesses, and cannot be political in nature.

Township officials will determine the location of the boxes based on a study conducted by the public works department. A five-star system was created to evaluate high-traffic locations, and various points along Route 228 and Rochester Road were selected for the pilot program.

Fedko said it will cost about $658 per box and a $400 artists' fee will be given to the winner as a means of promotion. However, supervisors said they believed the prestige alone will make the program successful.

According to Jerry Andree, the township manager, the idea for the program was introduced several years ago by Supervisor Bruce Mazzoni.

However, it wasn't until Public Works Director Jason Dailey saw the results of a similar program in Madison, Wis., that the township got on board.

Andree said he fully expects a sponsor will come aboard to cover costs.

Submissions can be entered at cranberrytownship.org/artbox.