Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) Art Bus Shelters

As Iowa’s only regional and largest transit agency, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) owns and operates buses, bus shelters, and other transit facilities in conjunction with its regional transit system. One of the most frequently requested service enhancements is bus shelters. DART envisioned a network of bus shelters with integrated artworks, to enhance the experience of using transit, enliven streetscapes, and support regional connectivity by serving as visual landmarks and moments of creative inspiration while also reinforcing a positive image of public transportation. As a result, the DART art shelter program was born.

Substance Architecture was selected as a creative collaborator to work with DART, selected public artists, and the bus shelter fabricator to ensure the artwork reflects each neighborhood’s unique character; is produced in keeping with the artist’s vision; conforms with DART’s brand; and meets the specification for size, color, visibility, content, and safety set forth by DART.

Locations identified for art shelters include existing bus stops with high ridership and key transfer points and corridors throughout DART’s 12-member communities in and around Polk County, IA. DART believes the art concept selection should celebrate the local neighborhood identity with an opportunity for input from the community and is committed to collaborating with its member governments, local public art authorities, artists, and neighborhood stakeholders to achieve its vision for art shelters as a canvas for community expression that complements municipal public art master plans. To date, Substance has worked with 13 artists on 30 art shelters, more than half of which have been installed. Additional locations have been identified for future expansion of this program.