The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officially launched Artbound, an initiative that will bring increased artistic elements to the riders and community, June 19 with an event featuring dancers and musicians at its Five Points Station.
MARTA Art in Transit Administrator Katherine Dirga oversees the program and will lead restoration of current art work in stations and will scout for artists and musicians for new art and performances to ensure high-quality pieces are installed to reflect the history of the communities they serve.
Beginning with FY17, 1 percent of MARTA’s annual budget is now allocated for art-related programs, art-focused community activities and system-wide restoration projects.
“I think in the transportation field in general … people are really going toward public art because it really enhances the experience so much for passengers,” Dirga said. “It’s something people start to look for now.”
“It adds to the appeal for MARTA,” said Chief of Staff Rukiya Thomas. “We’re a 35/40-year-old agency and the designs that were appealing in the 70s and early 80s are not appealing to people today so one of the most common questions we get today is, when are you going to rehab the stations?
“Before we spend millions to rehab these large concrete stations, we would expand our transit first, to take people more places they want to go. It’s about priority.”
When they were thinking about what new programs they could launch, Artbound was something that could help take people’s minds off of the fact that it might feel cold. With new art pieces in there, something to experience, it takes the focus away from the station itself and add to the rider experience.
In a press release, GM/CEO Keith Parker stated, “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by intentionally integrating art throughout the entire system. This new commitment to the arts allows us to engage our customers in a bold, exciting and often entertaining new way.”
Dirga explained that there are a number of components to it, including conservation. There are 35 art works in the stations that were installed as the stations were built. “We’re going back and looking at those artworks and restoring what needs to be restored.”
Dirga said she’s first creating an inventory of everything they have with photographs and then leveraging that into an online walking tour. “Something that people can plug into and say OK, I’m over on this side of town, I want to see three or four pieces, where do I go?” she explained.
She mentioned they also hope to add physical walking tours with some of the artists living in the area to come and meet at stops for artist talks.
Performing Arts
Along with the new art pieces, performing arts will be showcased throughout the stations.
Erik Burton, senior director – media relations, mentioned another arts enhancement they have, a jazz series. MARTA Jazz Mondays, in partnership with award-winning jazz artists, showcased local musical talent MARTA stations Monday evenings in May. The two-hour concerts were another way to engage the riders in a new and creative way.
“It’s about the enhancement and the experience,” said Burton. “It’s different things that really make us stand out. It draws people in.”
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta and Dirga said MARTA Jazz Mondays is a partnership with the city of Altanta. “They like to provide venues all over the city, so we’re partnering with them to be one of their venues for the jazz festival.”
But MARTA will be moving forward with its own extensive music program, starting with open public auditions this fall. They’ll select musicians for performances at various stations and for music over the holidays at the stations.
“I’m calling it a non-snarky American Idol, kind of feel,” said Dirga. “It should be fun. Hopefully nobody’s going to leave in tears,” she joked.
