​​​Celebrating Locally Rooted Art & Culture in Anchorage

​Anchorage People Mover is launching a new public art initiative to bring original​ artwork to our bus stop signage. This project celebrates Anchorage's identity, honors the Dena'ina people as the original stewards of this land and hig​​hlights the living traditions and creativity of locally-rooted artists.

We are looking for artwork that reflects the land, the culture and the comm​unity of Anchorage - work that tells stories of place, honors heritage, and inspires connection for ​thousands of transit riders each day.

What We're Looking For
The flag-shaped bus stop sign is the primary canvas for this project. A design template will be provided for you to create a sketch mock-up of your concept along with a written
description of your vision. Artwork may also extend onto the back of the flag, though some areas may be covered by the pole.

Your design should:
  • Honor the Dena'ina people and acknowledge their enduring connection to this land.
  • Reflect traditions, cultural values, and stories connected to Anchorage.
  • Draw inspiration from local nature, history, and community identity.​
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Artists will create artwork for the flag-shaped panel at the top of the bus stop sign, which measures 18" tall on the left side, 18" long, and 15.25" tall on the right side. This is the
primary design space for the project, and a template of the shape can be downloaded here.

We are accepting any artwork medium: paintings​, carvings, beadwork, digital art, mixed media and more. Please note that the final product will be screen-printed, so if your work
is in another medium (for example, a painting), it will need to be scanned or photographed for reproduction.

AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. While digital tools may be used, all designs must be original and created by the submitting artist. The goal is to highlight authentic,
human creativity that reflects Anchorage's culture and community.

While People Mover's route colors are red, blue, green and gold, artists are not required to use them. We want to see your authentic style and vision.

Each design must also include either "People Mover" or a recognizable element of the People Mover logo (bus with the red heart and "Stop").​

Eligibility

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

Each artist may submit one design entry for consideration.​

The Process

Step 1: Submit Your Packet
By November 4, 2025, artists must submit a complete packet that includes:
  • Contact information
  • Resume/CV
  • Art samples
  • Brief bio
  • Design pitch (a short written description of your proposed artwork)
  • Sketch mock-up using the provided flag-shaped template
See the full application process here​.

Step 2: Initial Review
Panelists will review all submissions and each select their three favorite designs they would like to see fully developed. The submissions with the most panelist support will advance as the
three finalists. Artists will be notified on November 13, 2025.

Step 3: Finalists
Each of the three finalists will receive $1,000 to create a full design of their proposed artwork. Artists will have until December 29, 2025 to complete this stage.

Step 4: Final Review
At this stage, panelists will use a detailed scoring rubric to score submissions in five categories:
  • ​Craftsmanship - quality of execution and design strength
  • Originality - distinctiven​e​ss and clarity of artist's style
  • Creativity - thoughtfulness and imagination
  • Required Elements - inclusion of identifiers; legibility and accessibility
  • Anchorage Factor - authentic reflection of traditions, cultural values or stories connected to Anchorage and its land
Step 5: Winner Announced
One artist will be selected as the winner in January. Their artwork will be screen-printed and installed across 680 municipal bus stops in 2026. The winning artist will receive an additional $4,000 award.

Meet The Panelists​

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

Why It Matters

This project is about more than signs, it is about visibility, respect and community pride. By bringing locally-rooted art into everyday spaces, we aim to honor the land we live on, uplift the voices
of the people most connected to it and create a public transit system that feels rooted in place.

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

Apply Now

Submissions open October 7, 2025, and will be accepted through here. All materials for the first round of submissions must be uploaded by November 4, 2025, at 11:59 ​p.m.

By submitting, artists agree to the T​erms and Conditions. Please review them carefully before completing your applications.

Artists can review our FAQ page for answers to common questions. For additional inquiries, contact the People Mover Art Project Management team at PeopleMover@Thompsonpr.com.