Contact: Matt Sliker
(414) 937-3251
Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee County Transit System’s popular Bus Shelter Art Project is expanding to downtown Milwaukee for the first time thanks to a generous sponsorship from Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.
Crews recently finished installing unique designs on MCTS bus shelters at Water & Wisconsin and Water & Mason.
“MCTS gives more than 15 million rides per year in the greater downtown area alone,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “As a longtime supporter of the arts, I couldn’t be more excited that so many additional commuters, pedestrians and residents will now get to enjoy and be inspired by the work of local artists.”
The installations were funded by a $1,000 donation from Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, which was matched by The Bus Art Project MKE.
“This program is a great way to activate existing bus shelters as engaging ‘third spaces,’” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “We’re thrilled to help bring these temporary art galleries to life in the heart of downtown.”
Artist Tzeng Lee’s piece, “The Collide,” which features colorful kaleidoscope-like patterns, transforms the shelter at Water & Mason. The shelter at Water & Wisconsin showcases a diverse photo collage by Dominic Inouye of ZIP MKE.
There are now nine original pieces of art on bus shelters in Milwaukee County with more planned next year.
About the Bus Shelter Art Project
The Bus Shelter Art Project is a collaboration between the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and The Bus Art Project MKE to spread art across the community. The Bus Art Project MKE, founded by Libby Olbrantz, works with the artists and raises money to pay for the production and installation of the art, then MCTS provides the space on its bus shelters. Visit RideMCTS.com/Art to see all of the designs and learn how you can help support the project.
About Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21
Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21, is an organization established in 1998 to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community. Created through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a management district organization that oversees 150 square blocks representing approximately 500 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee. The organization funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown. Visit MilwaukeeDowntown.comfor more information.
