Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is calling all local artists to bring their creativity to a new public art project that aims to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the city’s public transportation system. As part of its upcoming initiative, the City is inviting Bloomington-based artists and artist teams to submit proposals for nature-themed artwork to be featured on the top borders of six new bus stop shelters set to be installed in 2025.
The new shelters are a key part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and improve public infrastructure. The project aims to provide residents with much-needed protection from the sun and rain while they wait for the bus. This initiative is also seen as a step toward building greater climate resilience, as the rising temperatures and extreme weather events caused by climate change have become a pressing concern for the community. The new shelters are designed to help keep people cool and dry while promoting the use of public transportation, which plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing the effects of climate change.
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The City’s plan goes beyond just practical shelter—it also seeks to create a visual impact. The addition of artwork along the top borders of the shelters will bring a touch of creativity and culture to public spaces, showcasing the talent of local artists while celebrating the region’s native nature and wildlife. The nature-themed artwork will not only enhance the look of each bus stop but also serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment.
Artists interested in participating must be 18 years or older and based in Bloomington. Proposals are invited from both individual artists and artist teams, with each selected design earning an honorarium of $500. The City will cover all expenses related to materials, printing, and installation of the artwork on the new shelters. The six winning designs will be showcased at designated bus stops around the city, making the project a visible celebration of local artistic talent.
The deadline for design submissions is fast approaching. Artists must submit their proposals by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, March 21. Submissions should be made via Civiform, with the full call for designs and detailed application instructions available on the platform.
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This is a unique opportunity for Bloomington’s creative community to contribute to a meaningful project that blends art with environmental awareness. As the City works to modernize its public transportation infrastructure, this initiative serves as an important step in making the streets more engaging, sustainable, and reflective of the community’s values.
With the deadline drawing near, artists are encouraged to submit their best nature-inspired designs and help transform Bloomington’s bus stops into vibrant, functional public spaces.
