You'll soon be able to enjoy original works of art while you're waiting for the bus.

The City of Airdrie's Department of Community Development is accepting submissions from local and regional artists to add to the culture and artistic atmosphere of the city through its "Art In Transit" program.

Artists are being encouraged to submit an original piece of artwork for the program that will see the pieces placed in city transit shelters for up to three years starting this fall.

Community Developer with the City Michael McAllister says this is a new program for Airdrie.  "Over the years we've had variations of this program existing from our Art In Motion program where we had local artwork displayed on civic bus passes and we also had our Art In Public Places program which involves art being displayed at City Hall, Genesis Place, Bert Church, but at this time the art in transit shelters is a new initiative for us."

24 applicants will be selected to have their artwork featured in Airdrie transit shelters, with the program intended to run from 2017 to 2021.

The criteria calls for the work to "reflect Airdrie's culture and diversity," and McAllister says individual artists to decide exactly what that is.  "That's one of the great things about this initiative is it really is up to the artist to define what Airdrie's culture and identity means and more importantly what it means to them and we're hoping they'll be able to highlight that visually for us."

McAllister thinks the project will meet two objectives.  "One, it aesthetically enhances a public space that typically isn't, I mean, let's face it, all that pleasing to passers by, but it also gives artists the opportunity and an avenue to display their artwork and also be compensated for their talents."

A community based jury will review the submissions and select the winners who will receive $400 for their works to be displayed publicly.  

The deadline for submissions is 4:30 pm August 28th.  Final judging will take place in late September.

To apply or get more information on the Art In Transit program click here.

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