Calling all artists: RTD is hosting a contest for a new bus design

DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Transportation District is hosting a contest, calling all artists to help with a new bus design.

RTD is asking artists to submit a vibrant, one-of-a-kind entry in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

The winner of the contest will have their artwork turned into a bus wrap, as well as a $3,500 prize.

RTD said it is searching for bus wrap designs that “highlight the past, present, and future legacies of the civil rights and social justice movements in Colorado and nationally.”

“As a Black woman leading a major transit agency, it is incumbent upon me to ensure all people know that RTD is welcoming for its employees, customers and partners. This project provides artists with a rich opportunity to bring forth ideas that illustrate these principles and constitutional rights for public reflection and enjoyment,” Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s general manager and CEO, said.

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Artwork submissions should focus on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with notable and historic achievements to bring about justice, fairness, equity and equal opportunity for all, RTD said.

“The bus wrap design shall interweave the intersectionality of diverse communities, lived experiences and personal identities to foster an appreciation and celebration of our social and cultural similarities and differences,” RTD said.

RTD created a Civil Rights Mixtape for artists to draw inspiration from.

Anyone in RTD’s service district is eligible to apply, and those outside of the Denver metro area may request an exception.

60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act bus design contest details

Submissions must include:

• Narrative of the bus wrap design (300 words max) including:

  • How the design connects to the project

  • What you hope to evoke with the imagery

  • How you hope the design will engage the public

Using the design templates provided, complete the design as follows:

• Rendering showing the bus wrap for the SS Full Side, CS Full Side, and BK Full Back.

  • Provide vector art or high-resolution (300dpi or higher) files to be scaled up to the full-size design. Please note the templates are not full size but are to scale so that any art placed over the templates will be accurately sized up to cover the bus properly

  • The design must cover the entire area indicated in the template by the light green block, but up to 50% window coverage is allowed per side of the bus

  • No coverage on doors and driver windows

  • The template itself should not appear in the final art print file but can be used to demonstrate the intended design in a mock-up file

• Resume

• Imagery of any relevant previous work or portfolio

Templates can be found on RTD’s website, and artists have until May 24 to submit their ideas.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of RTD staff and community partners and notified on June 3.

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