Concord is rolling out a plan to bring masterpieces to the masses with a call to artists for a new Bus Art Project. The City of Concord Public Art Commission, in a creative partnership with Rider Transit, is aiming to transform its buses into mobile canvases that will flaunt local artistic talent for everyone to see—literally taking art to the streets.
Those interested are invited to submit two-dimensional artworks that capture Concord’s culture and history. Artists have until February 2 to submit their designs. According to the city's official announcement, selected artists stand to pocket a stipend for their contributions, with the chosen designs expected to grace both sides of up to two Rider Transit buses.
The unveiling of the artist selections will take place in March next year. Once the artwork is wrapped around the buses, they will travel across the Concord and Kannapolis service areas for about two years, providing a novel aesthetic experience for commuters. The initiative is a result of the 2023 Public Art Master Plan, which recognized the synergy to be had between Rider Transit's fleet and Concord’s cultural strategy. Providing transportation to key destinations such as workplaces, schools, and entertainment areas, Rider Transit runs 11 buses across eight routes, with its operations center located near the Concord–Kannapolis border.
