A MASTERPIECE IN WEST PHILADELPHIA

Inspiring...Uplifting...Creative

SEPTA will be reconstructing the El in West Philadelphia and eastern Delaware County from 46th Street to Millbourne Station. The new stations, along with a streamlined single-column structure, will enhance the landscape, and invite people to ride, shop and visit. As part of this work, SEPTA launched an Art-in-Transit Program that will bring permanent art installations to renovated stations. These commissioned works will reflect the diversity and individual character of the surrounding communities and neighbors.

Artists were selected to create artwork at each station through an open competition known as a "Call for Artists." The artwork chosen for each location will be installed as part of the station reconstruction program. Using art as a focal point, SEPTA is seeking to establish a partnership with the people it serves, to strengthen its identity as a public transit service provider, and to foster neighborhood pride and ownership at each location. Community members can participate in the program process by taking a few moments to complete a questionnaire suggesting themes, ideas and concepts for the artwork. This information will be shared to inspire artists as they complete the creative design phase of work.

 

A Local & National Initiative

SEPTA's Art-in-Transit Program combines the Federal Transit Administration and City of Philadelphia: Percent for Art initiatives. These programs support the allocation of funds to enhance station construction plans through the introduction of art. The Art-in-Transit program is an integral part of SEPTA's community outreach for its capital construction projects.

For more information about THE EL SEPTA @ WORK Project, contact: Rhonda Johnson, SEPTA Community Relations Coordinator 215-580-7013

 

Community Meetings

Millbourne Station

SEPTA Communications & Community/Government Relations held an Art-in-Transit (AIT) Community Meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Millbourne Borough Hall located at 9 Park Avenue. The purpose was threefold:

1. to discuss SEPTA’s Art-in-Transit Program;
2. to present the City Year Mural Arts Program; and
3. to solicit community input about art that will be placed at the station and on the retaining wall leading to the station.  
   

SEPTA’s AIT Program will install a specially-designed commissioned piece of art at the station for enjoyment of residents and riders.   

The City Year Mural Arts Program is a separate project that will create a mural reflecting Millbourne’s history and the diverse cultures of its residents. Approximately 170 City Year Corps Members (between the ages of 17-24) will sketch and paint the mural on the 500-foot retaining wall.  This will be one of the largest murals that City Year has ever done.   

During the meeting, the community spoke freely about their expectations for the art and provided information about what the community means to them and how it is seen through their eyes.

52nd and 46th Street Stations

On November 29, 2007 and April 3, 2008, SEPTA Communications & Community / Government Relations held Art in Transit Meetings for 52nd and 46th Street Stations at The Enterprise Center located at 4548 Market Street. 

The purpose of these meetings were to encourage community participation by soliciting thoughts, ideas and opinions on the unique character and heritage of the stations and give artists a chance to get perspectives and ideas from members of each community.

Commissioned artist Edward Hughes for 56th Street Station and Victor Johnson and David Stephens for 60th Street Station both provided first hand knowledge about the Art-in-Transit program process.  The artists also shared their public art displays with the community and answered questions regarding their work.

The selected artwork will be seen by thousands of El riders and stakeholders who live and work in the area and will foster a sense of community pride.

Click here for more information about Ed Hughes.