Fairfax County is collaborating with ArtsFairfax to find local artists to design windscreens for the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along a 7.4-mile segment of Richmond Highway in southeast Fairfax County. The initiative, called Community Charm, aims to reflect the character of surrounding neighborhoods by incorporating community-based themes into each station’s artwork.
The project continues previous efforts to include original public art in the BRT system and seeks to create a sense of pride and identity among residents. Each selected artist will have their work displayed on a windscreen measuring approximately 60 feet by 8 feet.
Artists interested in participating must submit three examples of their existing artwork that showcase their style and skills. Submissions are due by September 30. Applicants can choose from four thematic categories: celebrating multicultural communities and local identity; illustrating historic buildings, development patterns, or cultural history; capturing local natural resources such as flora, fauna, and parks; or portraying county government institutions and services.
A committee of seven members will review all applications. Those chosen will be asked to create concept designs for one or more BRT stations. After these concepts are developed, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback through a survey, which will help inform final decisions made by the BRT Executive Committee.
“Fairfax County, in partnership with ArtsFairfax, is looking for talented artists to design artwork for the windscreens at the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along a 7.4-mile stretch of Richmond Highway in southeast Fairfax County. The project – titled Community Charm – will incorporate elements of the surrounding neighborhoods into the station design based on themes developed with each community.”
“This phase of the Community Charm project builds upon previous efforts and aims to integrate original public art into each station to foster a sense of local character, pride and enjoyment of the new BRT system. The project offers artists a unique opportunity to create a significant visual impact with a large canvas, as each final design will adorn a windscreen that is approximately 60 feet by 8 feet.”
Artists can apply for consideration or learn more about requirements at ArtsFairfax’s website.
