Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 8, 2004

Metro receives DC Mayor’s Arts Award

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board was presented with the Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts this week by District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams for the Board’s support of the arts and Metro’s Art in Transit Program.

The award was presented to Metro Board Chairman and District Council Member Jim Graham by Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Dolores Kendrick, Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia, at a ceremony held at The Kennedy Center.

Metro’s Art in Transit Program installs artwork throughout the Metrorail system to enhance the travel experiences of Metro customers. Metro works with artists, community groups, government agencies, and businesses to develop art projects that make public transportation and neighborhoods more attractive and inviting. Metro customers enjoy safe and dependable transit while their travel is enhanced by the beautiful murals, sculpture, and other artwork on display at Metro stations.

Art in Transit Program Manager Michael McBride works with area communities to support art projects that reflect their artistic and cultural interests -offering transit customers a glimpse of daily life in the region.

"What a great way for District government to acknowledge the impact of art in transit on the city and to appreciate the wonderful support of our Board," Mr. McBride said. "This is very encouraging for Metro and for the many artists featured in the Metrorail system."

For more information, see Metro’s Art in Transit Program page.

News release issued on January 8, 2004.