Alexandria Art in Transit - West End BRT

The City of Alexandria is seeking artists and artist teams to integrate public art into the West End Transitway, a planned 5.3-mile bus rapid transit line connecting major transit facilities and neighborhoods along the corridor. Selected artists will join an interdisciplinary Design Team to collaborate on public art that aligns with the overall design and layout of BRT stations. Public art may address elements including windowpanes in shelters, railings, seating, sidewalks, retaining walls, or freestanding installations where space is available. The shelters themselves will be standardized; artists are not requested to design custom shelters in their entirety, but elements may be modified with public art.

Selected artists will work with the Design Team to integrate public art into design drawings and presentations, attend public meetings, and oversee fabrication and installation following final concept approval. Project completion is expected by Fall 2027. The project budget will vary based on selected elements, with each station not to exceed $25,000. Most station locations will include two shelters (36 feet long), with additional amenities such as leaning rails, benches, trash cans, and landscaping varying based on final site design.

Applicants must demonstrate artistic merit, experience working with communities to design engaging artwork, experience collaborating with City staff and design professionals, effective communication skills, and probability of successful project execution. Artists must be 18 years or older. Emerging artists and those new to public art are encouraged to apply if they have a portfolio, exhibition record, critical reviews, honors, or awards. Applicants may submit up to two applications (one individual and one team) and can select multiple design elements to address. Application requirements include a brief letter describing the artwork type and design element, estimated budget for design and fabrication, CV/resume, and 3-5 references with contact information. Selected artists will be required to sign a contract with the City and may be required to obtain general liability insurance.