Staff told the commission the Artbox traffic-signal wrap project has TxDOT approval and a signed agreement, but the city has not received usable artwork for all approved boxes because three artists either raised contractual comments or did not respond.

Why it matters: The project was intended to wrap multiple boxes with locally selected artwork; delays in artists signing a release have prevented the city from proceeding with production and installation for four available boxes.

Staff said of the original submissions, three artists had comments on the city’s artist‑release form, three did not respond, and one artist reported they no longer had the physical artwork. The city pays selected artists $500. Staff said the boxes located within a construction work zone on FM 1093 were removed from immediate consideration to avoid damage and relocation, reducing the number of boxes available to four.

Commissioners discussed options including setting a short deadline for the original artists to accept the release and, if they do not, relaunching a new contest with the release form attached to submissions. One commissioner suggested a May 3 deadline for artist responses and relaunching a contest concurrently so the city would have alternate artwork in hand if current artists declined.

Staff also said the Art Alliance, which hosted the original contest, has proposed an alternate agreement used by other cities; staff will review that agreement and determine whether any reasonable revisions to the city’s release form are appropriate. Staff warned that until artists sign the release the city cannot use or pay for the submitted pieces.

No formal vote was taken; staff will return with a recommended deadline and any proposed revisions to the release form for commission action.