TARC seeks students for 24th annual Design-a-Bus contest

January 22, 2024

In partnership with the Kentucky Science Center, this year’s art theme is, “The Periodic Elements of Louisville.”

TARC is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2024 with the 24th annual Design-a-Bus contest. This year’s design, in partnership with Kentucky Science Center, will focus on 50 significant places of importance in our community that make us who we are.

Local students are invited to submit artwork focused on the theme, “The Periodic Elements of Louisville.” Student artists are encouraged to think about a place of importance within their community that formed a lasting memory, then create an illustration about that experience.

The winning submissions by students will be featured on a bus that will travel in the 2024 Pegasus Parade during the Kentucky Derby Festival and on TARC routes throughout the metro region following Derby festivities.

The Design-a-Bus contest is open to all elementary, middle, and high school students in Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt counties in Kentucky, and Floyd and Clark counties in Southern Indiana. Twelve winners will be chosen to have their artwork displayed on a TARC bus; winners and their adult guests will be invited to ride on the bus featuring the winning artwork in the 2023 Pegasus Parade.

Entries should be in marker, crayon, or paint and be square (equal size width and length), ideally 8” by 8” or 11” by 11” on white paper, or created digitally with the same dimensions, and submitted as a JPG or PDF file. Entries will be judged on visual appeal, creativity, originality, and message. All artwork is to be produced by the student only.

This year’s entry deadline is Friday, February 9, 2024. Please submit artwork and complete the entry form online at ridetarc.org/student-entry-form/
For questions or additional information email designabus@ridetarc.org

“We are excited to partner with TARC on this project.  We intentionally include art in our Do Science approach to our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) programs and experiences.” said Mike Norman, Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Science Center. “And we are always happy to support our Louisville Metro partners like TARC who are providing access to our Kentucky Science Center to more and more community members each day.”

“Design-a-Bus is a wonderful opportunity to get young people in our community excited about public transit and a local treasure like the Kentucky Science Center,” said TARC Executive Director Carrie Butler. “Our employees look forward to seeing the hundreds of submissions and selecting the winners, and showcasing the talents of our city’s young artists.”

About the Kentucky Science Center
Already recognized as a leader in inquiry-based learning, Kentucky Science Center is advancing a statewide science literacy campaign to encourage people of all ages to explore science in everyday life. Its flagship location on Louisville, KY’s historic Museum Row, welcomes visitors from across the globe with 3-floors of interactive exhibits and films on a 4-story screen. With daily programming for children, families, and adults, the Science Center plays an ongoing role in the region as a resource for caregivers and teachers, a gathering place for the science community, and a chosen source of entertainment for all.

About TARC
TARC, the Transit Authority of River City, delivers transportation services to the Greater Louisville community. With nearly 50 years of safe, reliable, and accessible service in the region, TARC and our team of 700 employees and contractors connect residents and visitors to the region with a diverse fleet operating across 30 routes in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana. Learn more at ridetarc.org.