The Art in Motion program is back for 2015/2016 and it’s going to be even better, according to Jennifer Harbour, executive director of the Creative Airdrie Society.
Art in Motion was launched in 2011 and involves local artists submitting works to be reproduced on Airdrie Transit bus passes. Two pieces of art are featured each month throughout the year. Beginning this year, 10 additional works will also be chosen for reproduction on transit benches.
“The City approached Creative Airdrie with the idea of expanding the program to include the bus benches this year,” Harbour said. “I firmly believe that the City really is invested in the arts and culture within Airdrie and they’re looking for creative initiatives where they can put an artistic stamp on things.
“Seeing those empty benches that sometimes don’t have ads running on them throughout the course of the year, (the City) came up with this idea of why don’t we put someone’s artwork on it so it doesn’t just sit there empty,” she said. “We thought it was a great idea. They’re taking care of the production and we just help them to link the right artist and artwork with those benches.”
Artists of all ages can submit their artwork and, according to Harbour, submissions have already started coming in.
“I have received (a number of submissions) but I’m definitely looking for more,” Harbour said. “I’ve received a few artists’ work but the call is open until May 20 so I strongly encourage anyone out there to submit their art.”
Intellectual copyright will remain with the artists but they will be asked by the City to sign a release allowing the image to be reproduced for the Art in Motion program.
Creative Airdrie will make the final selections for the winning artwork by May 27.
“On June 5 at noon we’re going to be hosting a reception at city hall and we’ll unveil all the winners at that time,” Harbour said.
The winning art will begin appearing on Airdrie Transit bus passes Sept. 1, according to Harbour.
Requests for a comment from Airdrie Transit were not returned by press time.
More information about the Art in Motion program including submission guidelines for 2015/2016 can be found online on the Creative Airdrie website at creativeairdrie.ca or the City of Airdrie website at airdrie.ca
