LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – The Louisville Public Bus System, the Transit Authority of the River City (TARC) and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy are calling for contributions from K-12 students in their service area in Kentucky and southern Indiana to create 25th Annual Design-a-Bus Competition.
Local students are invited to submit artwork on the theme of “Cultivating Healthy Neighborhoods.” This year, students are asked to visit their local park or outdoor space and think about how they can improve the health of their community. They are then asked to submit an illustration that reflects that idea or experience.
The 10 winning student entries will be presented on custom-made TARC bus packaging that reflects this year's theme. The 10 winners, their adult guests and the student's teacher will be invited to the premiere of the bus, which will be put into service for the first time in spring 2025. It will continue to operate on all TARC routes and serve as the flagship bus for special events and parades throughout the Louisville metropolitan area for an entire year.
Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy, said, “What better way to experience Louisville’s interconnected parks and parkways than with TARC? Frederick Law Olmsted designed our historic park system to provide relaxing green spaces for everyone in the city, regardless of where they live. Public transportation ensures that all Louisville residents can benefit from Olmsted's vision. We are excited to partner with TARC and look forward to seeing the art inspired by the Young Artists Park.”
Ozzy Gibson, Managing Director of TARC, added: “TARC always looks forward to our annual Design-a-Bus competition. We’re excited to see what the students come up with this year and are excited to have a great partner like Olmsted Parks Conservancy.”
The Design-a-Bus competition is open to all elementary, middle and high school students in Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt counties in Kentucky and Floyd and Clark counties in southern Indiana.
Entries should be 11″ x 17″ on white paper in marker, colored pencil, or paint, or created digitally to the same dimensions and submitted as a JPG or PDF file. Entries will be judged on visual appeal, creativity, originality and message. All works of art may only be created by the student themselves. AI-generated artwork is not permitted.
The deadline for entries to the competition is Friday, March 14, 2025. You can submit artwork and complete the entry form online at https://www.ridetarc.org/student-entry-form/. For questions or additional information, email designabus@ridetarc.org.