Call for artists to design RTD bus wrap to commemorate 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Applications open April 1 to submit bus art designs through May 6; winning design to be revealed this summer
RTD is calling for artists to submit vibrant, one-of-a-kind entries for a Bus Design Contest, with the application process starting tomorrow. RTD’s solicitation for bus design artwork is part of the agency’s celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other achievements to bring about equity, accessibility and fairness. The ADA movement was sparked by many protests in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, including one by the Gang of 19, who fought for accessibility on public transit here in Denver.
Those interested in submitting artwork can find information about the art contest, including design specifications, on the RTD 35thAnniversary of ADA contest page.
Artists must submit applications and bus artwork design proposals close of business on Tuesday, May 6. The winning design will be selected in May and wrapped around an RTD bus. The wrapped bus will be part of RTD’s regular fixed-route services in the Denver metro area through 2025.
“The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including transportation,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s General Manager and CEO. “While many gains have been made since the passage of this landmark civil rights law, the work is not done. Artists have an incredible opportunity with this contest to produce concepts that invite reflection on the principles that provide everyone with an ability to thrive.”
RTD is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all aspects of its agency and operations, in collaboration with Atlantis Community, the Center for People with Disabilities,Boulder County’s Mobility for All Program, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Canine Partners of the Rockies, Phamaly Theatre Company, the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce,Personal Assistance Services of Colorado (PASCO)and other valuable community partners. Join RTD in celebrating the ADA’s impact.
An evaluation panel comprising RTD staff and community partners will review artist applications and bus art design imagery. The winning artist whose design is selected will be notified on May 19 and will receive a $3,500 prize.
Artists are encouraged to submit bus art with the following design goals in mind:
- Celebrate the profound impact of the ADA and other transformative legislation on the civil, political and legal rights of people with disabilities
- Recognize individuals, organizations and key moments in Colorado and across the nation that have advanced equity, accessibility and inclusion
- Create dynamic and inclusive designs that showcase the strength and diversity of our community
- Inspire action by raising awareness, engaging the public and encouraging continued advocacy for accessibility rights
Artists may also draw inspiration from last year’s 60 Years of Civil Rights–A Community Mixtape Celebration.
The project timeline for the design contest is outlined below:
- April 1 – Submission of applications opens
- May 6 – Artist applications and submission deadline
- May 9– Submission reviews by evaluation panel
- May 16 – Selection of artist and wrap design
- May 19–Winner notified
- Aug. 1 – Bus design wrap reveal at special 35th ADA anniversary event
RTD and its valued partners look forward to seeing the applications and design submissions from the community.
For more information, please contact the RTD ADA office at [email protected].