TARC and Olmsted Parks Conservancy seek students for 25th annual Design-a-Bus contest

December 3, 2024

In partnership with Olmsted Parks Conservancy, this year’s art theme is “Cultivating Healthy Neighborhoods”

LOUISVILLE, KY. (December 03, 2024) — TARC and Olmsted Parks Conservancy are calling for submissions to the 25th annual Design-a-Bus contest!

Local students are invited to submit artwork focused on the theme, “Cultivating Healthy Neighborhoods.” This year, students are being asked to visit their local park or an outdoor space, and think about ways they can improve the health of their community, then submit an illustration reflecting that idea or experience.

The 10 winning submissions by students will be featured on a custom TARC bus wrap reflecting this year’s theme and partner. The 10 winners, their adult guests, and the student’s teacher will be invited to the debut of the bus as it first begins service in the Spring of 2025. It will continue to operate on all TARC routes, and serve as the flagship bus for special events, and parades throughout the Louisville metro region for one full year.

“What better way to experience Louisville’s interconnected parks and parkways than with TARC? Frederick Law Olmsted designed our historic park system to bring restorative green space to everyone in the city, regardless of where they live. Public transit ensures that all Louisvillians can benefit from Olmsted’s vision. We are excited to partner with TARC, and we look forward to seeing young artists’ park inspired art!” said Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

“TARC always looks forward to our annual Design-a-Bus contest,” said Ozzy Gibson, Executive Director of TARC. “We’re excited to see what students come up with this year and pleased to have a great partner like Olmsted Parks Conservancy.”

This year’s entry deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Please submit artwork and complete the entry form online at https://www.ridetarc.org/student-entry-form/. For questions or additional information email designabus@ridetarc.org.

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. 

Entries should be in marker, crayon, or paint at 11” x 17” 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. AI generated artwork is not allowed.

For a color flyer on this year’s Design-a-Bus, please click here.
For a black and white flyer on this year’s Design-a-Bus, please click here.

About Olmsted Parks Conservancy
Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Inc., a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s historic 17 Olmsted Parks and 6 Parkways. Working as a non-profit partner with Louisville Parks and Recreation, the Conservancy provides planning and funding for park improvements and natural areas management through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. In their 35-year history, Olmsted Parks Conservancy has overseen more than $60 million of investment in Louisville’s Olmsted-designed park system.  olmstedparks.org

About TARC
TARC (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 28 routes in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Learn more at ridetarc.org