# Graffitied Utility Boxes Artist Paul Walsh Jazzes Up an Everyday Public Staple for Locals By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-walsh References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/paul-walsh-utility-box-street-art) & [paulwalsh.co.nz](http://paulwalsh.co.nz/) Paul Walsh, a street artist based in Auckland, New Zealand who gained local recognition for his [Grumpy Cat mural](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cushelle), has taken on another project. After deciding that the big, green utility boxes that were eye sores to the public needed to be revamped in some shape or form, Paul Walsh took it upon himself to make a difference. Of course, he was approached by Chorus first. After launching a [PledgeMe campaign](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beige-billboards) to fund his efforts, with a modest goal of $350 so that he could take time off from his day job, Paul Walsh [spray painted five of them](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rusto). This was made possible through the donation of $1300. Taking anywhere from two to five hours to complete, Paul Walsh plans on leaving his artistic mark on ten to fifteen more throughout Auckland. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Public Art Utility Boxes:** Turning utility boxes into public art can bring a sense of beauty and originality to the cityscape. - **Crowdfunding Art Projects:** Using crowdfunding platforms to finance public art projects can help artists secure funding without relying on public grants. - **Street Art:** The proliferation of street art reflects a growing desire for art to be accessible and free. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Public Works:** Municipalities and utility companies can invest in commissioned public art projects to improve their communities. - **Crowdfunding:** Crowdfunding platforms such as PledgeMe and Kickstarter can be utilized by artists and individuals to fund creative projects. - **Tourism:** Cities with vibrant street art scenes, like Auckland, can attract tourists interested in viewing and experiencing public art. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Community-Inspired Colorful Substations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brent-cross-town.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md) - [Whiskey-Themed Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upfest.md) - [Distorted Furniture Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-kiss-at-last-light.md) - [Food-Inspired Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dish-pics.md) - [Color-In Commuter Tunnels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masterpeace-painting.md) - [Confectionary Graffiti Murals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jolly-rancher-gummie.md) - [Evolved Vibrant Graffiti Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jan-kalb.md)