Fishers Arts & Culture Commission – Signal Box Art Installation
Request for Qualifications – See PDF version
October 8, 2025
Project
The City of Fishers is seeking qualified artists interested in a commission for a series of up to seven (7) paintings on signal boxes along the Nickel Plate Trail, representing the city’s vision of a smart, entrepreneurial and vibrant community. Artists are invited to submit up to six (6) samples of relevant art projects. These signal boxes will be painted onsite or wrapped in vinyl, based on artist’s preference.
Deadline
All information and work samples should be emailed to Fishers Arts & Culture Commission by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Electronic submissions can be emailed to facc@fishersin.gov.
Budget
The budget allocated for the creative development portion of the project is a maximum of $14,000 ($2,000 per signal box). It is intended to cover the costs associated with the development of up to seven (7) creative works, including supplies and printing costs. The original artwork will be installed directly on the utility boxes. Maintenance of the artwork will be requested as needed for up to two years and managed via a separate budget.
Context
In 2016, the City of Fishers coordinated with Fishers Arts Council to have eight signal boxes painted within the Nickel Plate District, a state-recognized Cultural District. These art pieces add art and color along E. 116th Street, Commercial Drive, and Municipal Drive.

2016 Nickel Plate District art installation. Photos via Hamilton County Tourism Public Art Map
The City of Fishers and the Fishers Arts and Culture Commission have been working to create moments of art along the five-mile span of the Nickel Plate Trial, by adding interactive resting nodes, murals, sculptures and other art pieces along the trail. The installation of art on signal boxes, where the trail crosses major intersections will create visual interest at the intersections and stretch the art out along the trail, adding art between E. 106th Street and E. 141st Street.
The Nickel Plate Trail is a pedestrian path running north and south through the Fishers community, weaving through neighborhoods, commercial districts, and natural landscapes. The trail is connected to Indianapolis on the southern border by a new pedestrian bridge (opening in late 2025) and to Noblesville on the north, providing access to both cities’ trail systems.
The locations of the seven (7) signal boxes are listed below and shown on the following map.
• Nickel Plate Trail & E 106th Street
• Nickel Plate Trail & Fishers Pointe Boulevard
• Nickel Plate Trail & South Street
• Nickel Plate Trail & Lantern Rd
• Nickel Plate Trail & 126th Street
• Nickel Plate Trail & 131st Street
• Nickel Plate Trail & 141st Street

The approximate dimensions for the project are included in the photo below. Exact dimensions for each signal box will be confirmed prior to the final artwork being designed. The designs must cover all sides and top of the boxes; however, the signal boxes include moving pieces (handles, law enforcement access port, etc.) that must still be moveable after the painting project is complete.

Selection Criteria
Up to seven (7) separate artists will be selected for this project. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the artists’ qualifications.
• Application – The application is fully complete and well organized.
• Qualifications – The artist demonstrates appropriate qualifications, experience, and technical abilities for the project.
• Creativity – The samples demonstrate strong creative, innovative, and conceptual skills and artistic merit.
• Suitability – The samples are sensitive to the historical, and environmental context of the site.
• Spirit – The samples reflect the following community elements: family-oriented, playful, fresh, inclusive, and engaging. (also think smart, vibrant, entrepreneurial)
• Impact – The samples positively enrich the integrity, diversity, and interest of the site.
• Medium – The samples style, media, and scale are appropriate to the site.
Selection Process
The City of Fishers has a Community Art Master Plan which articulates a process for the selection of public art projects. This project will follow the process as outlined in that document. A link to the Fishers Community Arts Master Plan is included for your reference.
Art will be reviewed by the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission, which will include staff and Commissioners. Invitations to participate in the review process will also be extended to Fishers Arts Council, Fishers Art Center, Noblesville Creates, and Hamilton East Public Library.
The selection Committee will review the qualifications and select one or more artists for the project. The Committee, or its designated representative, will discuss and approve final concepts before installation is approved to begin. The Committee reserves the right to cancel the opportunity, as the best interest of the project may dictate.
Required Submittal Materials:
Artists are asked to submit their contact information, artist vitae and the following information electronically, to facc@fishersin.gov.
Submission Requirements
- Submit a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) digital images in JPEG format.
- Minimum size of 3 X 5 inches
- Resolution 150-300 dpi
- Submit images of artwork that best represent your experience, style and ability as they apply to this project.
- Submittals due by 11:59pm on November 2, 2025.
- Please specify if they wish to be considered for a single signal box or for all seven as a series.
Timeline
- October 8, 2025 – Release the RFQ November 2, 2025 – Submittals due by 11:59pm EST
- November 18, 2025 – Selection Committee reviews the submittals
- Mid-December 2025 – Notification of selected artist(s)
- March 1, 2026 – Final concept submitted
- March 10, 2026 – Final concept approved
- May 10, 2026 – Installation complete