The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) spent much of 2003 and the spring of 2004 mapping and identifying approximately 875 remaining call boxes left in the city. DDOT also removed loose parts, mitigated lead paint, and painted each box with a brown primer. Several boxes were also painstakingly relocated from less desirable, mostly industrial locations to residential neighborhoods where callboxes had been badly damaged or removed in years past.

Meanwhile, Cultural Tourism DC is implementing a program to unite interested neighborhood groups, historians, and artists. Together they apply for funds to "adopt" a number of these wonderful antique boxes. Approximately 175 individual call boxes have received preliminary approval or funding in the Capitol Hill, Downtown, Mount Pleasant, Tenleytown, Dupont Circle, and upper 16th Street Heights neighborhoods.

The early, citywide involvement by neighborhood groups in the survey and planning process reflects a high level of interest and enthusiasm for the project, and an eagerness to accomplish the common goal of turning this historic street furniture into neighborhood artistic icons that reflect the unique culture of each community.

The first community to present their Art on Call project was Mount Pleasant, which unveiled its project in July 2004. Nine bronze sculptures by local artist Michael Ross were be installed in each callbox, each depicting a different decade of Mount Pleasant history. An accompanying brochure and trail guide is also being prepared.

The call boxes will link art and neighborhood culture according to each neighborhood's preference. Some use old photographs, quotes from long-time residents, poems that capture the spirit of the place, or notes on historic events or personalities. Others freely interpret the neighborhood's spirit. In the process, residents work together to define their neighborhoods – a true community building exercise.

MORE FACTS ABOUT ART ON CALL