By Rhonda Riche

Remember when Torontoist was all about street furniture competitions? While newspaper boxes may not count as furniture, they are a big part of the urban landscape—especially ubiquitous green NOW boxes. Like last year’s paper dress design contest, NOW is inviting local artists to reimagine the free alternative weekly newspaper box. The NOW Box Design Challenge has whittled entries down to ten finalists, and their boxes are currently on display online and at various locations around the city. While a jury will select the ultimate winner, you can cast an online ballot for your favourite design—the artist with the most votes will be given the Reader’s Choice award. We like to see artists get money ($1,000), so why not check it out? To make the challenge more than just an exercise in artistic patronage, write NOW and demand that the winner’s design actually replace the old greenies. Deadline for votes is Sunday, July 29 at 11 p.m. Winners will be announced in August.
Topographical by Paul Dotey courtesy of NOW.