Metro announces updates to Art in Transit program, including new open call for artists, community feedback opportunities

More art is coming to Metro facilities across the region thanks to changes to the Art in Transit program. In a first for the Art in Transit program, Metro is building a pool of local artists and artworks that may be selected for future temporary installations and digital displays at Metro stations, facilities, and customer-facing spaces. Through the “Created Together: Your Art. Your Community. Your Metro.” initiative, the Art in Transit program will focus on more localized and community-based art collaborations.  

“The DMV is home to an extraordinary community of artists, and Metro is uniquely positioned to bring their work to millions of customers each year,” said Sarah Meyer, Metro Chief Customer Officer. “Art in Transit allows us to showcase the creativity and culture of our region while creating spaces throughout the system that are welcoming, engaging, and representative of the communities we connect every day.”

To publicly kick off the “Created Together” initiative, Metro is partnering with Theatre Washington to celebrate community and art during Theatre Week. Live performances, community activities and other treats will take place at Eastern Market Metro Rail Station on Oct. 6. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

The first project under the new “Created Together” initiative will be installed at Deanwood Metro Rail Station. The project will transform two station passageways with a large-scale temporary art installation that celebrates the history, culture, creativity, and people of Deanwood. Community members are also encouraged to submit feedback to help shape the project. Local artists may also submit their work for consideration.  More information is available here. Submissions will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Metro aims to host four visual art projects and four live performances at its facilities throughout the system in the next year, and we want to hear from community members to determine what they would like to see at their bus stops and rail stations.

In the past, Metro contracted with artists on a project-by-project basis.  This database of artists, designers, photographers, poets, illustrators, and interdisciplinary creatives will allow Metro to select projects that meet the needs of the community in which they will be displayed in a more timely manner. Emerging local artists and established professionals from across the region are encouraged to submit their work.  The Art in Transit program is open to individual artists as well as artist teams. For more information about this open call, please visit: Art in Transit Open Call for Artwork.