Artists from around New Zealand are being invited to submit design ideas that will be brought to life on telecommunications cabinets that are often the target of vandals and graffiti.

Since Chorus initiated the ‘Paint Your Cabinet Beautiful' programme in 2010 more than 700 cabinets have been painted throughout New Zealand, including four in Tauranga.

The company has found a significant decrease in the frequency of tagging on cabinets where artwork is present.

This year Chorus has partnered with charitable organisation Keep New Zealand Beautiful to manage the programme and extend it further.

Chorus stakeholder communications advisor Holly Cushen says the company is happy to team with Keep New Zealand Beautiful in the ongoing battle to eradicate graffiti.

"We are pleased we can provide artists with a prominent canvas in the form of our cabinets and at the same time, give them the opportunity to not only beautify the environment but also to showcase their talent."

Keep New Zealand Beautiful chief executive officer Heather Saunderson says the programme is significant as it strengthens communities through the creation of art.

"We have found that improving the aesthetic quality within neighbourhoods reinforces social connections and fosters improved social outcomes.

"The resulting artworks bring together communities, often highlighting local heroes, legends and themes from that particular town or city's history. These are their stories, providing visual reminders of who they are, who they were, and where they are headed."

Artists can submit their original design idea by visiting www.knzb.org.nz

Keep New Zealand Beautiful will review all applications and commission a selection with remuneration between $400-1500 to undertake the work.

The cost of supplies to paint the cabinet, drop cloths, Paint New Zealand Beautiful t-Shirts, high vis vests and stickers will also be supplied.

To view a gallery of existing cabinets in the Paint Your Cabinet Beautiful programme visit blog.chorus.co.nz/cabinet-art-gallery