Purple Line Looking For Artists To Decorate Stations

Rendering via MTA

The Maryland Transit Administration is looking for artists to brighten up Purple Line stations, walls, fencing and other locations part of the planned 16-mile light rail.

The MTA announced a call for artists earlier this week for about 21 locations along the route, which will run from Bethesda to New Carrollton with stops in Chevy Chase, Silver Spring and College Park, among others.

The agency doesn’t yet have specific projects and budgets, but said possible opportunities for paintings, murals, mixed media or other types of art could come on plazas, retaining walls, light installations or on bridges, tunnel portals and the canopies at boarding areas.

The idea, according to MTA, is to “enrich the aesthetics of the light-rail system, not to serve as a replacement for good station design and urban design” and “to make connections to communities and support neighborhood identities.”

The state is expected to pick a private concessionaire early next year to help design, build and operate the projected $2.43 billion light rail. The MTA hopes to start construction in late 2015 and have the system operating in 2020.

The agency is offering stipends of up to $3,500 for selected artists, some who might be given the chance to create multiple projects along the route.

Rendering via MTA

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up