The City of Fargo invites local students in middle and high school to create original artwork for the chance to be featured on a local MATBUS bus for one year. The theme of the artwork should be focused on environmental stewardship and climate resiliency. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 2, at 5 p.m.
To be eligible, students must live in Fargo, or be homeschooled or enrolled in a school within Fargo during the 2023‐2024 school year. Interested students are invited to attend an informational session on Friday, Jan. 26, from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Metro Transit Garage (650 23rd St. N., Fargo) to learn more about the guidelines, view a MATBUS bus in person and ask questions.
A review panel will evaluate submissions based on how effectively the artwork tells a story or message. Additional criteria include how the artwork reflects the theme and incorporates ties in the Fargo community and provides an eye-catching design that translates well to a bus wrap.
The highest‐scoring submission will be selected to be featured on a MATBUS bus for one year and will receive $500. The second‐highest scoring submission will receive $300, and the third‐highest scoring submission will receive $200. All submissions are anticipated to be on display at Fargo City Hall (225 4th St. N.) in the spring. Production and installation of the bus wrap will be made possible by using renewable energy revenues through the Solid Waste Utility.
In 2023, the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee unanimously moved to proceed with an initiative to create a sustainability-themed bus wrap in collaboration with the Fargo Youth Initiative and the Arts and Culture Commission.
“I encourage students to submit art to this project, which will help amplify the voice of our youth in the message of sustainability. Using our buses as a canvas, we can advocate for a sustainable future for Fargo!” said Abhijna Kavasseri, who serves as the Fargo Youth Initiative representative on the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.
For more information, including the required Bus Wrap Art Template, view the “Call for Student Art for Bus Wrap” at The City of Fargo website or call the Planning & Development Department at 701.241.1474.