FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
June 15 2017
MEDIA ADVISORY
MARTA ROLLS OUT REINVIGORATED ARTS INITIATIVE, UNVEILS NEW PROGRAM BRAND, JUNE 19th
ATLANTA—
With a reinvigorated push around the arts, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit
Authority (MARTA) is launching a new program aimed at aesthetically enhancing
and integrating art throughout the rail system. The Authority will officially
kick off the newly branded arts program with an inaugural launch event at Five
Points MARTA Station on Monday, June 19, beginning at 2 p.m.
The
art-focused event, which is open to the public, will include performances from
Moving in the Spirit dance company and cellist Jenn Cornell accompanied by
Emrah Kotan. The program will culminate with the unveiling of the arts program
new logo.
In 2016,
MARTA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the investment in
transit-center art with a goal of improving the overall customer experience
throughout the system. Beginning with FY17, 1% of MARTA’s annual budget is now
allocated for art-related programs, art-focused community activities and
system-wide art restoration projects.
“From
mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by
intentionally integrating art throughout the entire system,” said GM/CEO Keith
Parker. “This new commitment to the arts allows us to engage our customers in a
bold, exciting and often entertaining new way.”
In
December 2016, the Authority hired Arts Administrator Katherine Dirga to curate
and oversee the transit systems arts program. Since that time, MARTA has
developed a comprehensive approach to engaging the region’s diverse artistic
community inclusive of commissioned art pieces as well as the performing arts
“We are
literally watching art come to life as we restore a number of existing transit
station art pieces throughout the system,” said Dirga, who previously served as
manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s arts program. “Our
approach is to install high-quality, captivating pieces that transcend various
artistic genres and reflect, in some way, the vibrancy and history of the
community.”
AT A GLANCE
Date: Monday, June 19, 2017
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Five Points MARTA Station, 30
Alabama Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Media
Parking: TBD (Due
to limited parking availability, spaces are reserved for news station
vehicles.)
Visuals: Unveiling of new arts program
logo, various performing artists/dancers and cellist performance
Speakers: MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker, Arts
Administrator Katherine Dirga
RSVP: Please email Erik Burton at eburton@itsmarta.com.
# # #
Contact:
Erik Burton