Metro News Release
For immediate release: July 29, 2003
New, free pamphlet offers guide to MetroArts, Artwork at Metro
Eleven art projects are being planned for existing and future Metro stations, but area residents don" t need to wait to catch a glimpse of some of the most spectacular public art that already exists in the Washington metropolitan area. All you need is a Metrorail farecard and a copy of a new, free pamphlet entitled " MetroArts: Your Guide to Art in the Metrorail System." The pamphlet is a guide to art in the Metrorail system and provides an easy way to locate the works of art that currently are featured at Metrorail stations. The guide also gives a peek of some of the artwork that is soon to come.
" The wonderful works of art on display in the Metrorail system demonstrate Metro’s commitment to help build livable communities through transit projects that serve and celebrate the lives of Metro customers and the public," says Metro CEO Richard A. White of Metro’s murals, sculptures, stained glass, and mosaic artworks.
" The pamphlet provides area residents and visitors with a handy color-coded line-by-line Metro guide to locate the public art that is spread across our Metrorail system," says Michael McBride, Manager of the MetroArts Program. " The Metro Board of Directors recognizes that works of art displayed in the Metrorail system make public transportation more attractive, and while our customers enjoy safe and dependable transit, their travel is enhanced by the beautiful murals, sculpture, and other artwork on display at Metro stations. The works of art add beauty and value to Metro stations and inspire a sense of belonging in the more than 650,000 people who ride Metrorail each day."
The free pamphlets are available now at Metrorail stations in the " Take One" racks at the kiosks.
A survey of readers of American Style Magazine, ranks Washington among the nation’s top 25 art destinations. The District of Columbia comes in at Number Three, behind Chicago (Number One) and New York (Number Two) (http://www.americanstyle.com/Travel.html). " The public art in our Metrorail system adds to the area’s draw as an art destination," Mr. McBride says.
" I believe that the 21st Century is the century of cities" municipalities continue to be cultural hubs where modern living can be coupled with creativity and imagination," says District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams. " The artwork displayed in our Metro system showcases some extraordinarily innovative expressions and certainly enhances travel throughout the city."
MetroArts works with artists, community groups, government agencies, and businesses to display artwork that captures the spirit and vitality of the region" making travel by Metro more attractive and inviting.
For more information about artwork in the Metrorail system, please visit http://wmata.com/about/station_art.cfm.
News release issued on July 29, 2003.