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Application Process​

​Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists living in the Municipality of Anchorage municipality, as well as those living elsewhere in Alaska who have roots or ongoing connections to Anchorage.

How to Apply

Artists will apply using our online submission form. The deadline to submit all materials is November 4 2025, at 11:59 ​p.m. AKDT. For additional details about the application process,
please see our FAQ page.

A complete submission packet includes:

Resume/CV
Highlight your professional creative work and experience.

3-5 Artwork Samples
Upload examples of past work that best represent your style and creative approach (PDF or image format, max 10MB each).

Short Bio (up to 300 words)
Share your​ background, influences, and career highlights.

Mock-Up Design File
A rough sketch of your proposed bus stop flag design, submitted as a PDF (max 10MB). All mock-ups must be created using the provided template.

Artist Pitch
A written description of your concept that explains:

  • What your final design would look like
  • What inspired it
  • How it connects to Anchorage, the land and community identity
  • This should be submitted alongside your sketch to give judges a clear sense of your vision.
​Please note that all mock-ups must be submitted using the flag-shaped template, which can be downloaded here​. Artists may sketch directly o​​n the template or create a digital mock-up.
The goal is to pitch your idea - we want to see your concept clearly represented through a sketch, drawing or digital rendering, supported by your written description.

You will also be asked to provide your name, email, location in Alaska and personal connection to Anchorage.

Accepted Mediums
We welcome work in a wide range of mediums: painting, drawing, digital, beadwork, collage and mixed media. Artists are free to create in the style and medium of their choice.
Please note:
  • The final product will be screen-printed for installation, so all designs must be adaptable to printable format.
  • 3D works (such as sculpture) cannot be directly applied, but may be submitted if they can be photographed or scanned for translation into the final printed design.
  • AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. Digital tools may be used as part of your creative process, but all designs must be original and created by the submitting artist.
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What We're Looking For

Your design should:

  • Focus on the flag-shaped sign, which will serve as the main canvas for public display.
  • Honor the Dena'ina people and acknowledge their connection to the land.
  • Reflect traditions, cultural values and stories connected to Anchorage.
  • Draw inspiration from local nature, history, and community identity.
  • Design must include either the words "People Mover" or a recognizable, artistic element inspired by the logo - such as the bus shape, red heart, or the word "Stop."
    The shape can incorporate a circle, ​bus outline, or red heart. The words "bus stop" are not required.
While People Mover's brand route colors are red, blue, green and gold, you are not required to use them. We encourage artists to express their authentic creative style.

Judging Process


Phase I: Mock-Up Submission Review
  • ​Panelists review all eligible submissions (mock-up sketch + artist pitch + required materials).
  • Each panelist will select their three favorite designs they would like to see fully developed.
  • The submissions with the  most overall support will be named the three finalists and invited to move on to Phase II.
Phase II: Finalist Design Development
  • The three selected finalists each receive $1,000 to create a full design of their proposed artwork.
  • Finalists will have until December 29th to complete this stage.
  • Full designs should clearly show the finished concept, building on the initial mock-up and pitch.
Phase III: Final Selection
  • ​The panel will review the three completed designs.
  • At this stage, panelists will use a scoring rubric to score submissions in five categories:
    • Craftsmanship - quality of execution and design strength
    • Originality - distinctiveness and clarity of artist's style
    • Creativity - thoughtfulness and imagi​nation
    • Required Elements - inclusion of identifiers; legibility and accessibility
    • Anchorage Factor - authentic reflection of traditions, cultural values or stories connected to Anchorage and its land
Based on rubric scoring, one final artist will be selected and awarded an additional $4,000 prize. The winning design will move into production and installation across 680 People Mover bus stops.

Meet The Panelists

​Click here to learn more about the panelists responsible for reviewing submissions.

Key Dates

  • Call for Submissions Opens: October 7, 2025
  • Submission Deadline (Mock-Ups Due): November 4, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. AKDT.
  • Judging Panel Review (Phase I): November 4 - November 10, 2025
  • Finalists Announced: November 13, 2025
  • Final Design Submission Deadline: December 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. AKDT.
  • Final Review & Selection (Phase II & III): December 30 - January 9, 2026 (panel uses rubric to score finalists)
  • Final Artist​ Announced: Week of January 12th
  • Installation & Celebration Ceremony: 2026

After You Apply

All applicants will be notified of the results once ​finalists are selected. Artists not advancing will still be recognized and thanked for their contributions.

Through this process, we hope to honor authentic local voices and create artwork that reflects Anchorage's community, culture and connection to the land.

Terms and Conditions

Please see full terms and conditions for application submission here.​​