Community Developments

RIDE Solutions, the City of Roanoke Arts Commission, and the Greater Roanoke Transit Authority are partnering to once again present a unique public art project in spring 2017.  

A writer or writers will be issued a one month bus pass and paid an honorarium of $1,000 to create a unique work of literature while riding different Valley Metro, Star Line Trolley, and Smart Way bus routes. The work may be any genre including short stories, poetry, essays, plays, etc. The work may also be multimedia and include art, music or photography. The work will be published on the participating organizations web sites and other venues as possible.  If appropriate an exhibition of the work will be displayed at an appropriate venue.  

The goal of the project is to draw attention to the important role public transportation plays in connecting our neighborhoods and communities.  

Writer by Bus is part of a larger promotion by RIDE Solutions throughout March and April which will include other activities such as live musical performances, sculpture, activities at the bus stops, partnerships with local schools, and more.  Art by Bus will partner with transit agencies throughout the RIDE Solutions service area of Central and Southwest Virginia.

Individuals or groups may submit an application by submitting an entry form, a writing sample, resume and references. A panel made up of representatives from the sponsoring organizations and community members will review the applications and select the writer or writers from the applicants. The panel seeks to have content that is original, family friendly, creative and constructive. 

Visit the website for information on previous Writer by Bus efforts and to download an application for the 2017 program.

Timeline: Applications due by 5 PM on January  20, 2017
Selected writer notified no later than February 1, 2017
Project onset March 1, 2017
Deliverables finalized by May 30, 2017